https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf daily 0.75 2022-09-19 https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/orange-shirt-day monthly 0.5 2022-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563141882-GVC7KE2SA3PS14NJECSD/1560078-david-alexander-robertson.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - When We Were Alone K-3: My favourite resource for primary grades. Strikes the perfect balance between telling the important, hard stories, and being such a celebration of resilience, resistance, and joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563103940-28U5FYYQUZXDGCA3KC1C/51kvujWjPOL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Amik Loves School K-3: Really gentle grandparent story that serves as a good intro but also has a real focus on healing and strength. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563142774-FIY4NW5JZ8DEM1PC5I78/book-cover-shi-shi-etko-by-nicola-i-campbell.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Shi-shi-etko K-3: Such a tremendously beautiful and heartbreaking text. This one I have used in K but it is emotional and needs a lot of support and care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563138007-I99VXE5T0ZOZPLGIXG7D/71xeUD2UvPL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Shin-chi's Canoe 1-3: I like this one better than Shi-shi-etko for learning about residential schools, but it’s a bit heavier because of it so I don’t often use this one with K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563138332-J8IK14V0FZDW9K0CP6GI/81dEcQwuwAL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - When I Was Eight 1-3: This is a picture book version of the longer middle grade novel, Fatty Legs. The interesting perspective of this book is that the protag actually begged her parents to let her go to residential school because she didn’t know what it was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563143827-FUS7TZCFJDXZQH8EDGLG/Image-front-cover_rb_modalcover.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Not My Girl 2-3: Sequel to When I Was Eight. A really powerful and simply told story about healing and rediscovering identity and the lasting legacy of residential schools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563139644-K0BG1O6VAWXBCTJWD7TH/81X1QxvLUpL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Phyllis's Orange Shirt K-3: Much more accessible version of Phyllis Webstad’s story for younger readers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563153958-QFRX0V9YH2K7UEERK93O/orange.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - With Our Orange Hearts K-1: This is a 2022 book that would be a great entry point for K and young learners. Focus on strength and healing and resilience, not so much the residential schools story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663563154175-FKYUNIU19HYJPHLL3FZU/2022-09-17+17_34_07-We+Feel+Good+Out+Here_+Andre%2C+Julie-Ann%2C+Willett%2C+Mindy%2C+Macintosh%2C+Tessa_+97818.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - We Feel Good Out Here K-2: Gentle and simple text, really highlights and focuses on Indigenous knowledge and worldview. Poetic, lyrical writing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564498002-U804T2JUXUA7CG2J254Z/81DqyELwRjL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - I Lost My Talk 3-7: Powerful poem, simply written but lots to talk about and unpack. Goes along with I’m Finding My Talk, an excellent partner to talk about healing, strength, resilience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564498248-A5LWG3WEBDLT7GUGBN2E/81fdQTsFO7L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Speaking Our Truth 4-7: Excellent non-fiction resource. It’s a big book, great opportunity to use bits and pieces over the course of an entire year to talk about things in depth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564499636-UVO6RNUQIPXDBXIXVP5I/91B3NP6zO1L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - As Long as the Rivers Flow 3-7: This one is a great, more gentle story that has a focus on the author’s last summer before residential schools. A good one for intermediate that has less content about the actual days at residential school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564499947-K8VJ3CBPMB82BJD4OR4V/91TmT26RwzL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Muinji'j Asks Why 4-7: I find this one a detailed, informative, and poignant story from the perspective of a descendant of residential school survivors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564500353-JF0TYQFVTWACYPQEA4SC/712KDmxrxoL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Fatty Legs 4-7: First-person account of going to residential school. In this case, the young girl begs to go to residential school because she thinks it’ll be a place to learn to read. A lot of trauma and disappointment to unpack but also strength and resilience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564557628-G91V4JGBW798J01M2WBB/witness.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - The Witness Blanket 5-7: A really interesting non-fiction book about an art and commemoration project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564501292-ZMP2UJ30213AVZ0NVP9W/13714816_web1_COVERpaper.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - The Orange Shirt Story 4-7: This is the origin story for Orange Shirt Day so serves as a simple, compelling narrative for why we commemorate this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564561609-MU4TTVLO6576VDJQYK05/seepeetza.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - My Name is Seepeetza 5-7: Middle-grade novel, told in diary form. Really powerful story. Short read but packs a punch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564502019-L2T984XH3S6ZK8NRM3X1/9781772033755-500x630.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Aggie & Mudgy 5-7: This book focuses on the journey towards residential schools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564504891-I5R5DWEJEGVG7WQ9AJ0C/9781927583944.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - I Am Not a Number 6-7: This book is such a powerful read. At times breathtakingly heavy with its truth. But with a definite thread of strength and resistance throughout and in the ending. Definitely for the older kids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564503556-1MQFRLDQEZ38S9R3ZKX4/approved-layouts-for-covers-indd.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - The Journey Forward 4-7: This is a flip book with two novellas: “When We Play Our Drums, They Sing!” and “Lucy & Lola”. Both powerful stories about intergenerational trauma, healing, and survival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663564944382-ZL88G3Q0RTJ93BUQ4RYR/2022-09-18+22_21_29-.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Spirit Bear: Fishing for Knowledge, Catching Dreams 3-7: This is one of the Spirit Bear books published by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada. I love the way these books weave in action and year-round engagement beyond Orange Shirt Day. Available as free e-book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663565946645-ADO6VIFNP6NIW87AUWKP/y648.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Borders This is a graphic novel version of Thomas King’s celebrated short story. It’s so well written and simple and compelling. It speaks to the conflict between colonial geographic borders and Indigenous traditional land and identity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663565977899-SLOWX0OCCDSVLB7JDPB8/A1cm%2BFFhvvL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - We Are Water Protectors This picture book was written in response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protest. Serves as a way in to talk about Indigenous land and water defenders and the leadership of Indigenous people in the fight for climate justice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663565947230-VNY09H5V1EFU99J4YYCT/1.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Where I Belong This is actually a young adult novel, so not really suited to elementary. But it is the only resource I have found that speaks to the Oka Crisis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663565947675-J2N5HJS8W5ZNPGSNEZG0/71ZJYT61l7L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - 47,000 Beads A picture book that is appropriate for even the youngest readers that speaks to the erasure and celebration of two-spirit Indigenous folks. Written by a two-spirit Lakota author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663565948222-LFJ9L4JXFFOZOE7BAZ9S/81EaUBim62S.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Indian No More This is an American book but the topic relates to Indigenous identity and how that conflicts with “official” status, recognition, and colonial bureaucracy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663565949819-WJDOB3ZOZ3IYKQKZIG8T/91jRRWUuajL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - This Place: 150 Years Retold A graphic novel, geared towards older readers but maybe upper intermediate could access. Part history, part fantasy, a really powerful story about the legacy of colonialism and whose story gets told. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663565950364-7QPZX539PQCVFTIJXPA9/91zbAA7Po1S.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Surviving the City This is a graphic novel for young adult, but I would call it appropriate for middle school. It very powerfully and movingly speaks to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663565946744-OJKGXF4ST1LFYG7GJI2N/1+%285%29.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - Nibi's Water Song A picture book that talks about the lack of clean drinking water in Indigenous communities. Really powerful story told in a super accessible way, friendly for really young readers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663566081054-K42FY1AF2I12PT3ONCYI/9781772601176.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - The Case of the Missing Auntie I adore this series of early chapter books. Engaging and fun storytelling. This one talks about both the contrast in urban-rural Indigenous experience and how this impacts connection with Indigenous identity, and also the Sixties Scoop. Just really formidable storytelling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663566078904-KKM5HWYCCERGMGTH84O2/I_am_loved_eng_1_1600x.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation - I Am Loved Picture book about a young Inuk boy in a new foster home, remembering words of strength from his anaanattiaq. An important conversation about the role of the child welfare system in harming Indigenous peoples in Canada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663568268046-6QSSVJ0EMSG6LRRUGT68/716uzW1xhML.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567473555-EA1589WMX6F1ZONRNG08/1+%284%29.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567473269-IKN95EPQOCFSQ2UB440T/1+%282%29.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567502876-B2D00BD6DEZZE4DLZOA7/Image-front-cover_rb_modalcover+%284%29.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567474534-VOY2WJLQVC593H7T5LR2/71%2BvgB7X7cL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567475485-IKDVIH9BQL0B5O922OAE/71A4TKZOynL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567476258-IKJDW9M50VCU5EC23HGQ/71whmJPQpCL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567504018-RDJV41TT526UZDJDAA6M/swift-fox.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567475808-8H0EWPMWE5T1LE2T7VN2/71VTH56m7WL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567476619-XUH24S4I3NVVUI4LC8T7/71yoZbRvVIL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567482957-1XM6EUI7ZPNCCJYYF13J/91xJ%2B-EO7ML.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567485018-D8T1XP1CPEN84G27FFX9/715Y0orooZL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567486220-8RE6A5NPOJ4EPADE6HYU/7149f1M-7vL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567491985-O87SKIB3SH6QJ3LJYBDI/2022-09-17+17_41_55-Fishing+with+Grandma_+Avingaq%2C+Susan%2C+Vsetula%2C+Maren%2C+Chua%2C+Charlene_+9781772270.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567502730-J1ZC22PCKAY6TC1BER4Q/Image-front-cover_rb_modalcover+%282%29.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567495880-468CRPMWAL46PEYAWOM9/A1A3TEAXNeL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567478998-HANT0WEX8MX0K55XOCDG/81gr1KYWvwL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567495427-TOD5HZVTCKOWS9BDVANI/9781771644730_FC.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567507097-8YKFFUDE52YD4VKYWSRK/the-littlest-sled-dog.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567489546-G5LI0O36NDGFXEE94HAE/9781623542030.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567501206-BHVA6WVKAOLKB5ZAUAQ7/drum-from-the-heart_1200x1200.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567499844-FP9TOP7T0K94GZEK2PM6/BNCImageAPI_f53eefdc-238e-40d7-9b38-59d98ed27d5d.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567504862-HCWRG49A75LNSK498Y83/Whetung-This-What-I-Know.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567479763-M0668N7S6B9BPVP14941/81ucojtF%2BnL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567487681-OXLFNGI5ECRCY5DVELYM/7175BL-y49S.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567478548-35BFUNA5TBOX8MRUA7P3/81dK98%2BUf5L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567500435-PH5QQW6UNEMT8227JO5U/book-cover-go-show-the-world-by-wab-kinew.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567502191-YQ4U95P4CKZSMU9M87IZ/Image-front-cover_rb_modalcover+%281%29.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567496841-VVKGSAUAP33EHT979X56/beings.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567499416-ZRAOW8AIHS4DP56G58EU/A1L3vcrv4uL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567473854-7DV596UEL1NHDJ4R46V4/1.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567477473-V3X60TGLKIE0C4KTZH2U/81bY2sqpZqL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567472839-GRRMYP6XK138ZG77W64T/1+%283%29.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567500756-7QHRP9OYVBRCW5BG3BV3/book-cover-powwow-by-karen-pheasant-neganigwane.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567501966-YIGITERO5DK7KO85Y7K2/giju%27s.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567503892-TLMXA0T8ZUNKSLR4PGHF/Image-front-cover_rb_modalcover.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567480854-RG4ENCGXXUMQPGDK738Z/91cmfr6m%2BsL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567484950-7USF2JF4DHZEG7EOXKUM/91-Xx2KBAjL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567482927-8KA087JRZTNSYKAHM8SI/91GO99hp5YL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1663567505750-1YTDCEV3PZXLJ4GEHZS3/y648.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Kids’ Books for Reconciliation https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/suck-it-cho-chang monthly 0.5 2022-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645339021134-28W92409KFDFPLDRO191/4.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419236512-L5KU1YLRQS96L1MFO5UG/71u6YALzTGL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419245801-VUGB7RVRZJ9XTEH699FQ/712wgqwoIUL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645339023069-AEMXDI8PVH4Y5O4LYII4/917eSN-rXUL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645339021313-3QLLXR0MN3BE4W0QTZWV/8.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419239348-X1I6E37ELQ1B6N04BX3I/81zZK03SIUS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419236455-1NK1RWUR58NPH66YM9RL/71Tot6YMunL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419237800-1JJXGFKDM4OK0J3OFGUF/81bY2sqpZqL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419238092-Y0T7PL1NTF08ASKE5PNC/81KiFJXdRFL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419242501-2KUXIFS9NYI75XBYHSKN/91rmSgUl7AL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419244556-JBD5E5R5J49LGNKI14XO/91-Xx2KBAjL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419244197-6HE9SJ2OJPM93PUBB82X/700.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - 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Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419252951-P6D2Z6U1H8IWZL4NK5W9/919p3W8T2rL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419256344-VNX6XFLM8NNCOTI3WWK3/2022-02-20+15_08_44-The+Barren+Grounds.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419256252-JJME9B62QUASR2TMVCHV/8147WwcwhPL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419264828-BC8I6RJYAWJT90C8I04T/shadow.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419581605-14OJJ6RXHGBW8L6Q5Q4V/00e0339e-3ff2-4baf-9e7c-d8bade0102bc.13c1091d5a31f8037b91b9c365aec388.jpeg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - 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Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645339166023-0LCIMNV5N1YUTTVU25TY/71LWKC7enML.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419587298-P0D6UFPL9ZSB9PCXNPWO/711AVuP5VpL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419581769-M0IIZXBIFSIYPU7MCUVZ/81b1Vlsu%2BIL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419583632-V74EZFZGHMRHQU94KVTQ/81jsWuT9HrL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419586389-S3G7XZ4G42PCUFV03FTH/81U4rjx0Z0L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419588203-2HAD9WZ13NVBBZL5FEOK/50892259.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419806693-J8J4NNVL4R63IH3BZCLZ/81pa24iX2xL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645339689518-RADE1XH0Z83333AAJXV4/61fqmVXm2TL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419805443-JE3N5382P0BEBSZDZ3UC/71%2B-MPO4aML.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645419805417-40206LX4X08CR8PLTZQP/71dOKKdAoIL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - 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Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/x-is-for-xiao-long-bao monthly 0.5 2022-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644706115496-GAHNVN4RCG00EKOC46YF/71o4YW2P6UL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644709679651-ZJVCEKFM36HO3NIIDK83/9781773214481.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644709656009-JUIKDD8356QXYXBXUCPR/71GgMcj9eBL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644709649071-X9TKRRD1MGHGGHGRY3HQ/1.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644709654537-6WWNG5CKFHM3I0MPK3ZU/61tZP5zEx-L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - 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X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644709682726-13TM8N1LUD35918VGNYZ/A1A3TEAXNeL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644709686650-CU9YPR0A23BA6MEY57R2/A1Wto5hsUrL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729672054-NZEPCD9FDFU5XRXVS1J6/91zxcwdw8SL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644730262110-MYD6V60W1G20A6513CU5/91iWTROYC7L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644731544332-DR4HMDBKSEQQ843UADQC/1.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - 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X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729190208-ZIP36OQ954GDHI2QSCCA/91JR6XWSc6L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729192710-4ITASIIG3VBRXUAU0CV8/91lZrPVXAxS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729193514-WJKVJWORA2A2J0G3I8HE/A14pqrBVAAL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729194217-LGPJSXILTGZ1YY4CVGK7/GUEST_fe642692-4a25-4c0a-882c-71a2b2707547.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729429860-BX3OR6Q1ZTH02TYMELHJ/61wo30z5wSL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729433193-2UGILEAUX2VEEFFR9K16/A1c9ARrySSL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729566567-QQ7TCXGXNW81NH0DA50M/12.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729568064-O57AQJ33L2EDFGHXSAOG/51t4HGSKhIL._SY377_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729564870-2FVHP6WP2TRQTXQXEGH3/15.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729574480-R3MXCX5G3HYWX8GCIR5M/91Y%2B9JNY4AL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645483427186-0Q0C856BGZI5OVO9EL55/81IF8ebH3nL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644730985521-JLO5UNJFMGACTSJ7YVJC/A19LxhuwgmL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729573917-QN6GJ0M3S2CZOPSWW7IB/91-%2Bff45LWL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729566961-4PLEDCTNLARNQUJEJKQH/19.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1645483426874-C4A2HFXCU2L9ZHFQTJJG/71v0dypk4QS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729574664-FDXBVORD33SD1IVDJKOJ/610g42oapHL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729576096-BCO9LQ0Z33WGC08V6O88/715Z0lB8rdL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729577034-L20PPVJ0SBX16W691WU2/my_ocean_is_blue.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644729576451-J4OB1S32EUE6PDL0M1VG/817fXvzJtzL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644730983801-55TIEGQ1IENYFCR59T9X/81vOAbVKlDL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/anti-oppression-middle-grade monthly 0.5 2022-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644101185699-X6DP2XJIH3RGISBLPFAH/1.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Borders Really love Thomas King’s graphic novel retelling of his original short story. This is such a simple story that does so much work. I especially love it because I believe that part of the work of reconciliation is to recognize the enduring legacy of residential “schools” beyond something that existed in the ‘distant’ past. This book explores the ongoing damage that colonialism has had on Indigenous rights and sovereignty. It also poses really good questions about what it would truly take to reconcile and to decolonize when something so simple as going through a border crossing can be so complex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216511923-P4GWP901JWXRPPW6BR6A/7.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Dear Martin CW: police brutality Excellent middle-grade novel about police violence against Black folks. Seen through the eyes of a Black boy, Justyce, whose friend is murdered by police. This book does an excellent job capturing the devastation, the anger, the hurt, the confusion that surrounds him. It is of course a gut-wrenching story but told in a way that really respects the age of the audience. It holds no punches but still treats the younger readers with care. This book also deals with classism with Justyce attending a prestigious private school where he is made to feel like he doesn’t belong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216512466-97G12XCSOWYCTO7UDI9K/71jIJrdX5nL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Pashmina Graphic novel about an Indian-American girl and her mother. I love this one for the depiction of intergenerational immigrant family dynamics. Touches on something that so many kids of immigrants are familiar with - the fact that we often know so little about our family and parents’ lives before immigration because of how much trauma, sadness, and pain lives in those memories. This is a story about trying to reconnect with lost roots and find connection again with loved ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216545104-LLSSADOEYSWTPFHXT8WG/Capture.PNG Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Stealing Home CW: Japanese internment camps Graphic novel about a young boy and his family who are forced to leave their home in Vancouver and move to an internment camp during WWII. Also a big theme is the relationship between the rest of the family and the father, who is a doctor and often leaves the family in order to tend to his duties. Baseball and the Asahi baseball team also feature heavily in this book. Though this story of course touches on the racism that this Japanese-Canadian boy experienced, it also takes place largely at the internment camp itself and so provides a really informative look at the daily and logistical challenges that were faced by Japanese families forced to build a new life and survive in these camps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216511715-A74N3M6QPSOF3ORJRRFL/61%2BPwRjuTIL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Black Brother, Black Brother CW: anti-black racism So many things about this book that are not common in middle-grade, which I love. It features a bi-racial boy who presents as Black and his brother, who presents as White. It also is about fencing and I can’t think of a single other middle-grade book that is! The text is so lyrical and beautiful. A great book to talk about bias and privilege. I also love the family dynamic in this book so much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216515882-52JEFN2JMFXVLKOWUH4W/81QWl%2BQYnpL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - The Case of the Missing Auntie CW: Sixties Scoop Early chapter book, does a tremendous job of portraying not just the legacy of the Sixties Scoop but also the tension between urban and rural Indigenous culture. This short little story is doing so much work on the topic of identity, community, heritage, and family. On top of which, it is an excellent early chapter book adventure. I would have included it in my ‘just for fun’ post instead, but it is one of very few books that covers the Sixties Scoop and I think that’s important to teach about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216528141-QMUGE0FGH3KRDUZB61O1/2022-02-04+15_39_22-Inside+Out+and+Back+Again+eBook+_+Lai%2C+Thanhha_+Amazon.ca_+Kindle+Store.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Inside Out & Back Again CW: parent is long-time missing and later in the book (spoiler alert!) dies Verse novel about a young Vietnamese refugee girl moving with her family to Alabama, USA. So beautifully and cleverly written. The thing that I always recall about this book is how funny it is. There are many moments of real pain and fear and hardship, no doubt. This book does not hide the realities of this refugee journey. But interspaced between all that are moments of Hà being so damn clever and cheeky. She makes such smart commentary about the English language and its ridiculousness, and there are just hilarious little moments where her words and her spirit just zing. This is one of my favourite books, though I am truly a sucker for the verse novel so maybe I’m biased. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216846213-7JL1DIK00O88UUPHVMEG/8189nCNa3oL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - New Kid CW: anti-Black racism This one tackles the intersection of classism and racism in a beautiful graphic novel. I absolutely love this one for the way it subtly integrates so many aspects of everyday racism. It does a really good job articulating why microaggressions are so harmful and how they do the work of supporting large systems of oppression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644220649331-QVQH2GK1WJQ407GTLTYD/2022-02-04+15_29_44-Greenshot.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Finding Home Non-fiction resource on immigrant, migrant, and refugee experiences. In my opinion, this is a good example of an actively anti-oppressive text. It takes an intersectional lens and also never lets readers forget that this topic can’t be understood in a vacuum separated from colonialism, war, politics, and bigotry. I also love the way it profiles so many people with lived experiences of migration in their own words. I’ve included a lot of fiction texts here written by #OwnVoices with refugee experience, but there is also a need for good non-fiction resources and I think this is a stellar one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216996247-7HRAZYTDP4YN50N6OXTI/24.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - A Good Kind of Trouble CW: police brutality A different perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement, told from a young Black girl who finds her place in the activism movement. Lots of great content about what it means to be enough, to take action, to make change. It talks about courage and the kind of anger that we shouldn’t seek to quell because it is borne from injustice. I think this is a great resource for learning more about the BLM movement in a way that allows all readers to enter and find space no matter how little experience and knowledge they have. Also really captures the power of civil disobedience and the voice of youth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216997701-M7I9LGFV7ATDN5T44OTE/81fdQTsFO7L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Speaking Our Truth CW: Residential “schools” Just a terrific non-fiction resource on reconciliation. I actually recommend this to adults all the time. It is both informative and generous in the way it shares perspective, knowledge, and history, and compels readers to consider their complicity and choices for the future. It covers history and shares first-hand narratives from Indigenous youth and adults. It is one of the best resources I’ve read on the topic of what it actually means to reconcile and decolonize. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216997237-IV0R28C7PRPVLCYUC0SH/81DrP7CgerL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - This Book is Anti-Racist Excellent non-fiction resource. It teaches about the fundamentals of racism, oppression, and intersectionality. It also does so much work in validating and holding space for the lived experiences of racialized youth, especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous youth. A great resource for teachers of middle-grade kids who want to have these complex, hard conversations, but do so in a way that both honours the needs of elementary aged kids and also the needs of racialized students. Use this one to help hold brave and safe conversations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217027328-HXZUXYQ8BMZ5GHFJIGQZ/712KDmxrxoL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Fatty Legs CW: residential “schools” Powerful memoir and first-hand account of residential “school” experience by Inuvialuit survivor. It’s a short, very compelling read. The first-person narrative is succinct, clear, at times heartbreaking. Though this book is about a time and place of such cruelty, there are so many moments of bravery, resilience, and love. I consider this an excellent elementary school age-appropriate book that does not shield the readers from the truth or seek to sanitize a really horrible reality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644216996471-RVFK0Y7C17L83L681H3F/81D5%2BxK-oJL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Ghost Boys CW: police brutality A beautiful, devastating, gut punch of a book told from the perspective of a twelve year old Black boy killed by police, who meets the ghost of Emmett Till. This is the perfect example of a book that does not hold back in talking to kids about tragedy and violence and cruelty, but does it in a way that respects the needs of the age. It feels incongruous to describe this story as gentle but it is. It is a really sad and possibly difficult read, and one that deserves fulsome conversation. But I really love the way it honours the voice and pain of the victims. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217000224-JG6V2Q7HUYC7NQACBCEG/91mijlExD8L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - The Night Diary CW: death of parent, some graphic violence, journey is at times life-threatening. Epistolary novel (written in letter/diary format) about young girl and her family’s forced migration during India’s partition. Really emotional and compelling storytelling, and at times the journey is truly harrowing and frightening. But this is the kind of story that really draws readers in and stays with you. I do really love good representation of religious kids, and this is definitely that. The protag is the child of a Hindu and a Muslim in a time and place where that really has come to matter, and the author navigates all these tensions so well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217069345-5QMNHTIYHSWODC8VXSLL/91bv7wP5HwL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Other Words For Home CW: Islamophobia, family separation Verse novel, not precisely an Own Voices book but written by an Arab American author. This book really surprised me and I thought it was flawless. So many secondary characters who really help contextualize the grappling of identity and what it means to be Arab/immigrant/American. Also family separation and the heartache of leaving a father and brother behind. And I really loved the fact that bullying was not a central feature of this story. It allowed so much more space for a really fulsome exploration of how identity and culture change and grow and defy the boxes that people try to fit them into. Also some of the best commentary about head coverings and empowerment and bias that I can recall reading. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217000494-GVKJQDRURJFMW3405BFP/91ZX2pD1r4L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - The Stars Beneath Our Feet CW: mention of traumatic death of loved one The ‘angry Black man’ caricature is such a widespread and harmful one in media, with real life-or-death consequences for Black boys and men. And yet, of course, young Black boys have a lot to be angry and frustrated about because the world is unkind and unjust to them so often. This book really makes space for this reality in a nuanced, balanced, and really caring way. It is one of my favourite reads for its portrayal of anger and frustration in big kids. The very contrast of a boy old enough to grapple with the murder of his brother and young enough to be enthralled with LEGO paints a poignant and powerful picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644101283794-NY000ZEVNV2UBQ0EFZT2/81F60iTgbHL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Dress Coded CW: body shaming and slut shaming I adored this book! I thought it was so tightly written and even though the plot seems like it would be very preachy, I was enchanted enough by the characters and the writing that I never felt lectured. I will say that the tone is a bit more on the sarcastic and dry humour side, which is right up my alley but maybe would alienate some readers. Deals with the gendered and racial nature of dress codes and a group of kids who fight back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217619461-5AJ9AO9NMMYK9V23ZF6K/71Hu7%2BsrzUS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities This is a weird book but I love it! The weird part is the snails, I should clarify. Other than that, it is exactly as advertised, a really fantastic basic guide to queer and trans identities. A step up from picture books like Who Are You? Really informative but also loving, warm, affirmative and fun. Also covers consent, respect, toxic relationships, autonomy, etc. Great non-fiction basic resource. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217619616-VNVABOXQ9LDZ8PI5UNAT/81%2BrELZ8IVL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - The Prince and the Dressmaker CW: there is a scene of protag being forced to out himself I am cautious about putting labels on this book because the character is not trans nor identifies explicitely as non-binary. I’ve seen this book described as a genderqueer fairytal with Cinderella vibes, which I do love. I think this book rocks! Romance, fashion, self-expression, friendship, identity, and a happy ending because it’s a fairy tale! There are moments of cruelty and rejection from family, but also moments of triumph, art, passion, and true self-love! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217620691-TGRF4MY2BXP49TFQGAI1/817kVjY%2BXoL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - The Matilda Effect One of my favourite read-alouds, I think it’s a rip-roaring good time. It is perfect for Gr 4-6. Absolute mayhem and hilarious adventures as Matilda races to try to get Grandma Joss the credit some dude stole from her. It’s such a funny story with a powerful concept at the heart of it, but it never takes itself too seriously and never ever lectures you about it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644101314007-1BBTA01GUMLTDAGYHTND/2022-02-04+15_48_33-Obie+Is+Man+Enough+-+Google+Books.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Obie is Man Enough CW: transmisogynistic bullying, slurs, and violence Really great to see a story of the post-transition part of life, where a lot of the other books about the trans experience for middle-grade focus on the pre-transition portion. I absolutely love this book. It is so many things - a sports story about a champion swimmer trying to re-establish himself on a new team, a friendship story about great and shitty friends, a story about family and culture and celebrating multi-racial identity, and also a first crush story! There are scenes and themes of horrific bullying that will make your blood boil, but also so much support and hope and love enveloping this young man that you will cheer for him so much! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217776128-SE3LZG0IUWHTENECWPO0/9781553797562_interior1_rb_modalcover.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Surviving the City CW: missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls I think this one could be classified as YA but I would read it with upper elementary grades. This graphic novel really speaks powerfully about the crisis of MMIWG and the ways in which Canada’s foster care system continues to harm Indigenous youth and families. It is about two girl best friends, one Anishinaabe and one Inninew. It’s a story about family and community, about being Indigenous in urban environments that don’t understand or protect you, and about the unique threats faced by Indigenous women and girls. It also has just beautiful portrayal of community healing with and through each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217775769-3AQ6M9P1X1QSB4UU8WMT/85554-1.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Melissa CW: transmisogyny and transmisogynistic bullying This book was previously published under a different title but author Alex Gino, a queer author, very publicly apologized and talked about their own journey of learning about deadnaming. This story is so simple, terrific, and heartwarming. I include it particularly because it is aimed at younger audiences around Grade 3 (protagonist is in Grade 4) and does a terrific job of speaking to this age, even though the tension and conflict is real and present, and there are moments of real heartache. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644217776630-ZO9ZHR8V8WVR5OTPJU0L/images.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Samira Surfs CW: traumatic death of loved ones in flashbacks Verse novel, not an Own Voices book. Eleven-year-old Samira is a Rohingya refugee living in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. She and her friends have to navigate and heal through a whole bunch of tensions and resentments in a situation where nothing is fair for anyone. In particular, she pushes against and tries to understand the limits her family places on her as a girl, and defies those boundaries by learning how to surf and entering a public competition. A really powerful story about a refugee experience but also about sisterhood, healing from trauma, overcoming sexist limitations and carving out the space you deserve - sometimes literally on a surfboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644101528548-XXRXW6ID1WP7SWATKR6F/71rAv2-OLtL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Front Desk This book is such an incredibly written story. It is about the immigrant experience of a Chinese family, but poverty and classism are so deeply intertwined too here that I actually think it’s more important in this story than the aspects of race and culture. The main character is just charming and wonderful. In the face of so many different facets of hardship, she has such cleverness and spunk and spirit. The whole crew of friends here is a real gift - it’s truly a book that celebrates the healing, transformative power of community care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644218073762-8260AKGHA4T9QLD9VXDI/24905366._UY1640_SS1640_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - House Arrest This book lands really differently in Canada because of our healthcare system vs that of the US, but it is nonetheless just an excellent book. It tells of a 12 year old kid who narrowly avoids juvie after stealing a credit card to pay for his baby brother’s meds. It is both so heart-wrenching and at the same time so lovely. Woven throughout the hardship and struggles and injustice is such a strong sense of community care and friendship. And the wit and humour of the protagonist is just the best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644218075852-CJ7I3T8JW2VTD06WZU4B/A1Yh4ltIrBL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Amal Unbound CW: forced into indentured servitude Set in Pakistan, this book is about class division and the power imbalance that comes with it, but it is just as much about resistance and revolution and standing up for justice. There are a lot of moments of bleakness and cruelty, but just as many of courage and strength and hope! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644218198148-4ABIQ8VNBEN2VP2O4AWD/81Qf2Ugd2-L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - When Stars are Scattered CW: grief This is one of the most memorable books I’ve ever read and it stayed with me long after putting it down. It follows the real life story of Omar Mohamed and his time in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya where he lives with his non-verbal brother, Hassan, after fleeing Somalia and losing his parents. It is a breathtaking story that spans achingly long years, giving this a very different kind of vibe for a middle-grade graphic novel. It is also so purely honest and told with the unwavering voice of Mohamed himself. It is informative and eye-opening and also just so damn human, I cannot recommend it enough. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644218198297-ZUC6ZX86YZKKHPIR8INU/41434700._UY2257_SS2257_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Ahimsa A story about the civil disobedience movement for Indian independence, and also a story about caste oppression and prejudice. It is a tremendous story about mothers and daughters, about change and revolution, and about listening to people speak their own voices and having the strength to grow and be better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644101571067-AUZY63YIPTGVKAFP040S/book-cover-sweep-by-jonathan-auxier.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Sweep CW: child labour This book reached into my body and grabbed my heart from the very first page. I love it so much. Historical fiction about orphaned kids in poverty who have no option but to do the incredibly dangerous job of chimney sweep for the gain of corrupt bosses. There is so much about sacrifice, courage, love, grief, unfairness, goodness. It is at times so damn poignant I wanted to give my book a good hug. It is also a book about resistance and taking back power and you will be riveted until the last word. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644101634724-2PJS0WVYCUXDJJGZCM60/2022-02-04+15_50_19-Show+Me+a+Sign+eBook+_+LeZotte%2C+Ann+Clare_+Amazon.ca_+Kindle+Store.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Show Me a Sign CW: death of family member, kidnapping, racism Historical fiction. This book is so tightly plotted and written, it’s such an action packed story. It follows a deaf girl in historical Martha’s Vineyard where there is a huge deaf community. There is grief, there is a family that is hurting and healing. There is an outsider who comes with nefarious intent to use and exploit the locals. There is great nuance in the depiction of colonialism, racism, and bigotry without allowing this to become a ‘White awakening’ story. The author is Deaf herself and masterfully transcribes visual sign language into written text. A unique and beautiful book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644218342807-YTX8D07C8CS0QX0HPOB3/9781984814500.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - Starfish CW: anti-fatness bullying, shaming, and slurs Just a stunning book that holds zero punches in its depiction of what it is like living as a fat girl in a world that hates fatness. The voice of the protagonist is just masterfully written, and she is incredible. She is hilarious, witty, brave, and strong, and watching her learn to fight for herself as the book goes on is such a gift. Her mantra of ‘starfishing’, aka allowing herself to take up space, is something I wish I could put into the hands of every kid out there. Something I really loved about this book is the way she did not let any of the bullies who hurt her off the hook. I love a kids book that teaches the lesson that you actually don’t have to forgive the people who have been cruel to you, and your love and loyalty are things that should be earned and deserved. This book is a best friend, a big hug, a cheerleader for every kid in every body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644218485321-A1VJF9NHJV1217732W74/9780593374252.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels - A Kind of Spark CW: ableism and ableist slur I thought this book was fantastic and gripping. It’s a story about an autistic girl that does so much work in teaching about the daily realities of being autistic whilst navigating a world built for and by neurotypicals. But it is also about so much more. Bullying, friendship, family and loyalty, justice, healing, legacy and righting wrongs. The representation of autistic adults is also beautifully done and rarely seen in kids books. https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/anti-oppression-picture-books monthly 0.5 2022-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063504496-D4JLHEF56878014XL04I/11.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - The Proudest Blue A little girl watches her older sister wear a hijab to school for the first time. Terrific story about sisterhood and internal strength, how to have pride and stand up for each other and how the hijab is a piece of very special joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063505899-SOQO6VKQ79AZU04YWUE6/18.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged! Canadian historical biography of Viola Desmond. Great, simple language and vivid illustrations. My favourite Viola Desmond book and an excellent read-aloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643409952628-C5SXGJ69Y7Q57IHQF7UX/book-cover-shi-shi-etko-by-nicola-i-campbell.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Shi-shi-etko CW: kids being forced into residential ‘schools’. A beautiful and sad book about residential ‘schools’ told from the perspective of a little girl leaving her family. Poignant and accessible, a must-read for conversations about reconciliation with younger kids. An excellent intro that serves to teach and share at a level that the youngest readers can understand and connect with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063507081-RWJQRT2C5T8LU9ZUOXG0/61zDedDiylL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Don't Touch My Hair! Consent, body autonomy, and diverse hair! A great picture book that talks about these important topics but also has so much humour and lightness. An excellent read, I’ve had great conversations with classes every time we’ve read this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063518914-TUQO8DR5JM0ELJUY5YIC/91zV-4vvoLL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Africville A girl visits the site in Nova Scotia where Africville used to be and is enchanted by the stories and memories of the Black community of the past who once lived there. A great introduction to a part of Canada that many kids won’t have heard about. This book doesn’t delve into the parts of the story that explains why and how the community of Africville was maligned and destroyed, but rather presents a kind of idyllic image of what it could have been like. Good intro to the topic but should be accompanied by some history. But still a great segway into the topic of gentrification and displacement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063505459-O22A1AKWCUSV1IXR6N53/25.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Skin Again This book and Julius Lester’s Let’s Talk About Race are similar in that they are both published around the same time in mid-2000 and are both reflective of the conversations of the time with kids, i.e. they are both of the ‘I am more than my skin and inside we are all the same’ kind of message. Today I think this message rings a little reductive and we encourage more conversations away from the ‘I don’t see colour’ mentality.. However, I don’t think these messages are inherently bad and there is still a lot of value and beauty and richness in these texts that make them worth still using. In particular, the youngest kids will understand and feel this book. The idea that you shouldn’t judge people based on their skin is obviously still a good thing to teach, just alongside the understanding that, unfortunately, people do get judged by their skin and so we need to understand reality accordingly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063906762-UIH5LDLP4KND98ZTXM10/71kYD0uHp4L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Sulwe Beautiful book about colourism or shadism, such a love letter to dark-skinned children and a celebration of their unique beauty. The illustrations and writing in this book are so beautiful they just envelop you with warmth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064293491-ROGO3YNZ4KILALWYIRE9/y648.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Eyes the Kiss in the Corners Tackles something that I’ve spoken about lots before: the trope of the Asian slit eyes. Beautiful and vital representation for East Asian kids. A lovely ode to the things that make our faces unique and beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643410510715-4KFSLB2L6SQUSO07TUDQ/91nzhJHn9jL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Black is a Rainbow Color My favourite book on the celebration of Black excellence. A great balance of the challenges that Black communities have overcome and continue to push against, versus so much joy and brilliance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064540833-SMTVAY59HVSN0P0SDX8H/81OxQJ1yf-L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Not My Idea CW: the story is based around the police killing a Black man. Good intro to white supremacy and white fragility. This book is great for white folks who want to begin having conversations with white kids about privilege and complicity. I do think a lot of the text is vague and unclear, which is hard for kids when the topic is so huge and complex already. But it confronts and calls out white supremacy boldly in a way that needs to be done and that many aren’t comfortable doing. There are a lot of picture books about racism but I haven’t seen many that call out the white folks reading and names their complicity in the history and ongoing trauma of racism. I would call this an excellent resource for small conversations, not for classrooms and read-alouds. Also because kids of colour already know about white supremacy and white fragility and don’t need to sit through a carpet conversation about white tears. Also maybe you know adults who need to read this book and maybe you should give this book to them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063655724-72N0E8BSSJE86ETTF5T2/2022-01-23+15_13_04-Here+I+Am+-+Google+Books.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Here I Am Wordless picture book about new immigrant who loses a precious keepsake and in trying to get it back, discovers his new home and a new friend. I love the way this story balances the fear and anxiety of the new immigrant experience with the joy and adventure of discovering a new home. It’s also a wordless book, which is a gift in itself as truly an accessible story for kids who speak different languages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063647538-ZV6WXKJYJE744NOMWDWE/006279860X.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Not Quite Snow White Little girl gets told she can’t be Snow White in the play because she’s too brown, too fat, too tall. Simple and cute story told well and with a loving supportive family. A good one for situating the idea of racism into the environments of classroom and play, which is something youngest kids can relate to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063652131-GFYWRHZ0N3V619O4M9GA/9781927583944.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - I Am Not a Number CW: kids being forced into and being mistreated at residential ‘schools’. A more complex read about the experiences of residential ‘schools’ and a story of resistance and strength in the face of trauma. This one is a great one for older readers in intermediate grades and beyond. A harder read but full of vitally important experiences to learn about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643066688799-1IVB6UNLVKDB9QUE4H1F/81Pl%2BkFalyL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Where Are You From? A loving and sweet story of a kid asking her abuelo where she is from and getting all kinds of wonderful answers that are not place names. Great immigrant intergenerational story and good for discussions about that loaded ‘Where are you from?’ question. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063656195-2UI92UN0ECG8RF5TI7JZ/A1s1MRLwdWL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - The Wedding Portrait This is such a kickass book! It is a story about revolution and protest, strength and community, love and resistance. I love this author and the way they are able to talk about really radical protest, civil disobedience, and action alongside such deep, affirming love and joy. My favourite kids book about protest and the importance of action. I read this whole book with my fist up in the air! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063880835-OZD9VJNAB6310VQZ470M/91LULkn7GvL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Benno and the Night of the Broken Glass CW: Holocaust and anti-semitism. Story about Kristallnacht, The Night of Broken Glass, told through the eyes of a cat. The thing about this story is that it portrays a vibrant community before and after this night and tells of how people were treated differently (i.e. some people’s shops were left untouched and they went about their days just fine afterwards) and how the community is changing and becoming more hateful and afraid. The book approaches the subject matter in a gentle and simple way that is really accessible for kids. Definitely content warnings needed though, as well as more info and conversation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063765000-JJZTHG2WT6BJLSKMI9WO/little-wolf.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Little Wolf I love this one for depictions of contemporary urban Indigeneity and the struggle of being Indigenous in a class and city full of non-Indigenous people. It’s a great balancer for books about residential ‘schools’ that helps situate the conversation about intergenerational harm and the legacy of the residential ‘schools’ system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064266741-51IPOW2M9HGEFNO4J57L/61GrDag3PGL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Your Name is a Song One of my favourite all time name books. Talks to the experience of kids who don’t have Anglo-Eurocentric names and whose names people constantly mispronounce, but then flips the script and shows kids that they deserve to have their names pronounced properly and with joy. Love the idea that everyone’s name gets to be a unique song. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643410414373-09IPHXANFARZF7NZWPH3/91aIURhkzxL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - A Place Where Sunflowers Grow CW: Japanese internment camp. A girl and her family is trapped in a Japanese internment camp in the US and tries to grow sunflowers, which become a symbol of patience, resilience, and hope. This story is slow and gentle and a beautiful read-aloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643063840176-B36GGU9AXG4URNLX393T/91%2BFm%2BKHtyL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Something Happened in our Town CW: the story is based around the police killing a Black man. A really honest story about how two families, one White and one Black, talk to their kids about police violence. Very accessible language. I don’t love all parts of this book but I do think it’s a tremendous resource for adults who want to figure out how to talk to their kids about these topics. Also really good fodder for further conversation and more info included. And it is an excellent example to showcase privilege and inequity regarding how the same story and situation has to be processed by Black folks vs non-Black folks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064151230-8PBR2H7W63XL38FOI59G/91euyHueeiL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Who Are You? The Kid's Guide to Gender Identity These next two books are really similar and they are both good. Both are excellent primers and intros to the concept of gender identity. This one doesn’t specifically get into non-binary identity but it does kind of touch on the idea of gender expression and what it means to identify with a gender, by asking kids what they like on a page full of different things. Kids like this page and it generates a lot of conversation about what gender means. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064152494-I8CAUUVUC5GE3TQ19FK0/A1tfymk934L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity Like the previous book, this one talks about how adults make a guess about your gender when you’re born, but might not have gotten it right. I like the way this one uses four example people to explain what different gender identities might look like. Easy for kids to understand and talk about! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064152223-ZVIBRJCKG4YJFD4XMQWV/Image-front-cover1_rb_modalcover.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - The Name I Call Myself CW: transmysoginistic bullying. This one tracks a child as they navigate growing up not feeling right in their body and facing struggles both internal and external about who and how they’re supposed to be. This is definitely an intermediate book as the journey is quite hard and dark at times and it could cause a lot of harm and trauma to kids who are much younger than the protagonist of the story and aren’t shaving or running away from home, etc. But otherwise I really like this book for how it simply and starkly describes the difficulty of living your truth when no one supports you doing so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064682469-2V6UNTWD8WGAK9QTWMYW/81q9Iw1rpeL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Ambitious Girl Tackles the ways that girls are told to be less ambitious, bossy, crass, etc. Good primer for discussions about double standards and the many ways in which the patriarchy sucks. A great vocabulary book on top of everything else! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064102985-3U8VLUV3MWFMPI2TWQML/27.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - When Aidan Became a Brother Such a sweet and wholesome book! Both a book about a trans boy and a book about a big brother, and both sides of this story are lovely. Supportive and loving family and great examples of how easy it is to just accept people as how they want to be and adjust life accordingly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064103146-IBGCS560IPIY4XAV6UUR/81uCMlCxbFL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Boys Dance! Such a sweet and happy ballet book! A few things I love about this book: a) obviously, boys doing ballet, but also b) boys doing ballet and lifting other boys and not just girls! And c) ballet as strenuous athletic rigour! Oh, and d) apart from the title, there is no suggestion anywhere in the book that the idea of boys dancing is anything unusual at all. It’s just a book about dancers who are boys. They are racially diverse and one of them wears glasses, which as a girl with appalling eyesight but bigtime Broadway dreams, I would have adored. Also I have to plug the equally good My Daddy Can Fly! also by the American Ballet Theatre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064104042-ZJ1S7I6EFQTOBE0JT8PG/GAYBCs_Cover.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - GayBCs: A Queer Alphabet There are surprisingly quite a few books titled GayBC but I love this one. So simple, but also sassy and funny. Highly recommend as a gift for tiny kids who need to learn that N is for non-binary and V is for vogueing. The graphics are so simple and great because every page has a crossed out ‘classic’ alphabet word, e.g. ‘b is for ball’ with a corresponding illustration that has been altered to fit the new word. It’s so clever and cool and in a classroom I would get them to give old alphabet books this makeover! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643064704656-3T2CDW200D8D3QTDNZYL/images.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Jacob's Room to Choose This is a terrific book for talking about why it is important for everyone to have a bathroom they feel comfortable using, and why this is something that matters. Simple, clear, effective. A really great lead-in to reimagining your school’s bathrooms and signage if they haven’t already been changed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643065823231-37TJ3282XVMZDEN5G4XN/91HCVvfiejL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - I Like, I Don't Like Appears to be a really simple book but is anything but! Not for younger kids as content is at times really heavy. Contrasts two perspectives on the same thing, one of a child saying a simple thing like ‘I like…’ and on the flip side a child saying ‘I don’t like..’, with the illustrations showing the true story - a kid playing with cars versus a kid having to clean cars, a kid picking flowers for fun, versus a kid having to sell them on the street. A starkly simple and powerful story about inequity, privilege, poverty, and the rights of children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643065827827-BIDS7OD3BEC9PP5AHBDZ/A19aKHTv2FL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Last Stop on Market Street This book is about CJ and his grandma and as an immigrant with poor grandparents, I can tell you this book feels like grandparent wisdom. It feels like the struggle of wanting shiny things and new stuff, and being told by your grandparent all the reasons why you need to slow down, appreciate what you have, and give thanks for the gifts. It’s beautiful and so simple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643067389795-RBYSKER1I919NNVSML6X/A1ZNvXIG1oL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - The Most Beautiful Thing A terrific story for everyone but especially for the children of immigrants and the descendents of ancestors who gave up a lot and persevered through lives of poverty and hardship. It is a unique story of the second and third generation immigrant child who is removed from the trauma of her elders but still feels the effects and legacy of it. It is such a story of devotion and the sacrifice of family and the resilience of people, and it’s got so much hope and love in it. An excellent book to read at all times but especially any time you’re talking about family and grandparents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643065830760-JH2YKG3R44NGEECDW0S1/A108SXao53L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Yard Sale A really simple story that is about a family having a yard sale to get rid of all their stuff, but that is actually a story about a family having to sell their house and downsize because of financial struggles. It’s told through the perspective of a child, who doesn’t understand money and only knows that they have to move away from the home they love. It’s sweet, it’s sad, it’s real, and like all good stories it can be accessed at so many different levels for different readers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644707871694-LJB19MR6ZXIHVECX5PUP/71tVXKju8SS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Wishes Stunning picture book about a refugee family on the journey to find a new home. Does a tremendous amount of work in such a small number of words. Really tells a powerful story about difficult choices, heartache, loss, hope, and gratitude. A gentle but impactful punch of a book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643065781204-M15DHSE0YHYHMVX3ERTI/71Ia0AnbeRL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Town Is by the Sea Set in a mining town in Cape Breton, contrasts the beautiful seaside sunny day with the darkness of the mining labour going on underground. A lot of mentions of a town that is struggling and the sacrifices that families and communities make, dotted amongst moments of joy and pure childhood lightness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643442153548-51GDKWZJ6QARPR5WNQGP/91gUgZpmpuL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - The Paper Kingdom At its heart a story about how two loving parents bring lightness and joy to their kids no matter how much they are struggling in reality. So many unique and underrepresented elements here, like two parents working night shift jobs, the class divide of business folks in fancy offices versus janitorial staff working in the dead of night to clean up their messes. A really gentle, fun, joyful story that effectively captures some of the big parts of why capitalism sucks, without ever being didactic or boring about it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643065782469-EGEEO671A6NLYJDUA9HM/81WEmsHuUJL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Those Shoes I adore this book, it’s such a fantastic read and so relatable to any kid who has felt embarrassed, wanted more, and desperately pined after things they couldn’t have because of money. It tackles the idea of need versus want, of generosity no matter how much or little you have, of worth and value, and also about how things really aren’t fair. I also love that it talks about how shitty it feels to get embarrassing castoffs from the donation bin, no matter how useful they are. It’s such a real feeling for kids and combats the saviour narrative that is in a lot of books about poverty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643066230239-N4O45232RI75WFL37ZZT/A1wZKPnRGVL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - We Are Water Protectors I wish there were more books about climate justice and I know we are going to start seeing more and more of them. To be honest, I’ve found it hard to find climate justice books that aren’t boring and didactic. I love this one, though, and the decolonizing approach it has to the climate crisis. It puts Indigenous-led movements and leadership at the forefront and the way it talks about the crisis as a giant black snake with poison is a great symbol that kids will understand easily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643067425334-2JRK72XC2NAAL1NJNJ6Q/A1xzxWyQA-L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Watercress CW: inferred death of child in flashbacks illustrations Another story about intergenerational trauma and the immigrant family experience. This one speaks to the feeling of shame and embarrassment that kids so often relate to when they are straddling two cultures and fitting into neither, and are caught in the struggle of parents who yearn for their roots and heritage, but at the same time want to shield and protect their kids from the poverty and trauma of their past. That feeling of not knowing exactly what you come from but knowing it is rooted in struggle is such a real feeling for a lot of immigrant kids and I think this book captures it beautifully. It is REALLY sad though at one point and there is an inferred death of a family member, so warning to use caution reading this book with kids who will not be traumatized. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643066337368-VHZAPSR4QAZ468JXPVPP/A14CJv-v2LL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - I Talk Like a River A boy who stutters finds a wonderful way to describe how talking is different to him as he and his dad process a ‘bad speech day’. A lovely book that doesn’t portray a disability as something that needs to be overcome or gotten rid of, but rather something that is just different and unique. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643443019206-T7NGSDS41P9FXWYJJ5LT/71zr-%2BJ1yBL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Her Body Can A really well written and loving ode to the body and all that it can do. I particularly like this book for its representation of fat bodies in motion, in sports, in grace, and all the ways that fat bodies are so seldom shown in books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643066332807-9M5842EMCUVA8GZU7K0B/91wSWWD05XL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Just Ask! Written by US Justice Sonia Sotomayor based partially on her experiences as a child with diabetes. I like this one for the way it portrays such a range of diverse abilities. I think books like this are really good for helping shift the narrative with kids in the way we talk about abilities and accessibility. In schools especially when designations literally categorize and label kids, I think it’s sorely needed to have more conversation about how everyone has access needs - it’s just that for most of us our access needs happen to be met by standard practices, structures, places, and societal values. This book describes a whole range of access and ability differences and does not seek to compare or rank but rather to connect and make readers think about how we all have varying abilities. I think kids will learn a lot about diverse lived experiences and also how to have conversations with people who have differing access needs to their own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643066389692-HLLPMZYHA4C2WQZ34UDB/817bKU42L7S.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Beautifully Me A poignant and well-written story about self-love and the ways that adults, sometimes unwittingly, teach their kids anti-fatness. A good read for families and classes as we learn to give more care to our own and each other’s bodies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643442955471-1EHDO89Q3RXMLJGHUMKF/0593112628.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Bodies are Cool Just phenomenal representation of diverse community and bodies. I love the way this book isolates all different parts of hte bodies to really encourage not just body neutrality but also just awareness and appreciation of all the parts of your body. This one is great for even older students as there is so much richness in the lyrical text. Lots of vocabulary and detail to go along with the excellent illustrations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1643442710083-F3FRI3EWYLYC94C9S78O/2022-01-23+15_23_02-Buy+In+My+World+Book+Online+at+Low+Prices+in+India+_+In+My+World+Reviews+%26+Ratin.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - In My World This is not an Own Voices book but I think it’s a well told and powerful story that portrays the contrast between how children with autism see themselves and their world versus how other people see them. I am always looking for books that position society as the problem rather than neurodiversity, and this one does this very simply. Though this book is not written by an autistic author, I think it does a good job of framing the narrative for neurotypical students to see how their views are limiting the way they see and treat their neurodiverse friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1644708006637-04WYOE4H8IYDLU21EPIK/81Cb9veUiCL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books - Laxmi's Mooch This is a LOVELY book. Diverse bodies shown all throughout and Hindi words woven into the dialogue. Such a sweet story about a girl learning to love her little moustache. Big YES to talking to little kids about body hair!! I want to give this book to every child. https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/best-books-of-2021 monthly 0.5 2021-12-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640313529188-4J2L2UWA3971JPLUT5DI/unsplash-image-JSK94ubivfs.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - It’s time for my favourite annual round-up post! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/dee64fa9-912e-44a9-8210-83a156fc97da/71%2BvgB7X7cL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Little Wolf I love this one, terrific story about moving to a new place, facing bullies, and holding on to your roots. One of my favourite ‘new girl’ scenes ever, in which her response to bullies and feeling lonely is to howl loudly and give zero fucks about what other people think. Also great rep for urban Indigenous culture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/220d2da1-b5f7-4749-aaad-60b768e8efc8/817bKU42L7S.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Beautifully Me Phenomenal book about anti-fatness and fat shaming culture. Zubi is such a fantastic protag and I could easily have included this in the ‘weepy books’ category because the relationships she has with her family made me tear up. Love stories where parents apologize to their kids!! A truly lovely book to read aloud together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/df7bda82-dd25-4216-88d5-8b812a6152cc/51MwHeAe3kS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Chez Bob Alligator Bob tries to tempt birds to coming to his mouth by opening up a restaurant for them but quickly realizes his true love of the culinary arts and that he can’t eat his loyal patrons. Hilarious, A+ jokes and illustrations from one of my favourite funny authors. I mean, it’s called CHEZ BOB BY BOB SHEA!! You cannot not enjoy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/63038de9-34e9-4d39-9cbd-c0fcb87d0d30/91JR6XWSc6L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Fred Gets Dressed As a parent who wholeheartedly encourages my kids to wear whatever they wish, I fucking love this book. It is the sweetest story, SO CUTE. Read the backstory that the author gives here, it is so charming. Just the fact that this kid spends much of the book naked is enough to make this a winner for so many kids. This story is SO wholesome, funny, sweet, simple, and happy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/e17a544e-1835-430d-8924-24f1c543d5ad/9130JDpFqsL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Except Antarctica! One of my fave non-fiction books of the year. Narrator tells us about animals who live on every continent except Antarctica, and all animals band together to prove them wrong. What’s not to love!? It’s so funny and the illustrations are bang-on and fun animals facts is such an instant win for so many little readers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/981ae502-c9d9-4d12-bb4e-ee449b48e8c0/A1xzxWyQA-L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Watercress I had to make sure other people agreed with me on this one and I didn’t just love it because it’s about my life but it’s definitely confirmed - this book is amazing. Unique and wonderful immigrant experience rep. My family once literally did exactly this and pulled over mid-drive to pick wild watercress. The book is poignant, loving, and so heart-tugging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/35df05d3-7d4d-41e7-a0f4-ec1c3c27dd65/91lZrPVXAxS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Princesses Can Fix It! My princess book of the year!! Love this retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale, now with plucky little STEAM genius princesses. So much busting of bad gender norms and great funny scenes. Big yes to doing science in princess gowns!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/3b2c963c-8f1d-44d4-91fe-021f92da4955/53368604.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Everybody in the Red Brick Building One of my favourite preschool books of the year. Oge Mora’s illustrations are just incredible, as always, and this book is filled with fun sounds and repetition that the tiny readers will adore. Excellent bedtime book about how no one is sleeping, aka my toddler’s fave kind of bedtime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1639978632867-C7LFXXBJNZ3Q3JHHW94R/91ZBrB-SNuL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Not Yeti I love a book about a gentle soul, and this one delivers big time. Yeti is the hero we all need in this awful time. Yeti will melt your heart and make you believe in good things again. Funny, kind, so lovely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/3594b0e2-2cf8-4b30-b574-0e84516da630/9780593466186.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - There’s a Ghost in this Houes I think I’ve loved every Oliver Jeffers book ever, but this one is so special. It’s one you’ve got to see to understand, but he literally makes ghosts appear on the page. Oliver Jeffers is magic!! This book will enthrall readers of all ages and the only thing that is bad about it is that it will for sure get ripped from being read too many times, which will kind of ruin the magic of the ghosts, but that is a price we’ll all just have to pay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/3ffc024a-d375-4b2b-925a-5f71a381c86f/chirp-9781534470026_hr.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Chirp! Chipmunk Sings for a Friend Embracing feelings of melancholy was a BIG theme this year, unsurprisingly. This one is my favourite of the bunch. It is so wholesome, just a little chipmunk with a song that is sometimes sad, who finds friends who love her songs just the way they are. Bonus for GIRL ANIMALS! This book is also really funny in parts, just an all-round lovely, lovely read that we keep coming back to! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/4bf62c2f-8e95-4c9d-9cbd-7e7f8f131b97/9780062915627.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Eyes that Kiss in the Corners This one has been really popular for good reason. I cannot believe this is the first picture book I’ve ever read that talks about the shape of my eyes. It’s tender, so sweet, so loving, and so full of joy. Read my blog post if you need any more reasons to buy this book that turns the table on the slanty eyes stereotype, but you don’t need another reason - this book rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/8da094d1-54bd-490d-a469-be6940a46d2d/9781773215631_cover1_rb_modalcover.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Welcome to the Cypher Terrific non-fiction read by Canadian team about rap. This book is so much fun to read aloud and listen to. The rhymes and rhythm are great and it’s so full of joy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/9002277e-16c4-4a5a-ad8d-79cf9a1433a3/51t4HGSKhIL._SY377_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Our Little Kitchen This one came out late 2020 and it is a JOY to read. It’s about a community kitchen and the love of food, being in community, and pitching in together just sings off of every page. I want to eat and work in this kitchen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/bb8e81af-35e1-46de-9140-d235ae93b098/B08HL8KD89.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Bodies Are Cool This book is such a treasure. Beautiful family time, non-white people camping, connecting with nature, this is an awesome story. It almost makes me want to take my kids camping, which I will never do, because that sounds like hell. But this book makes it seem like the best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/08718ea5-141f-494b-8ca5-273413bbdb2f/A1wRMxA7GsL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Something’s Wrong! Yes, I fucking love an underpants story. I’m sorry, it’s never not funny. This one is SO TERRIFIC and the punchline at the end is just the best. Just THE BEST. It’s a really lovely story about friendship and loyalty and also just UNDERPANTS. This book sells itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/c02a857d-bccc-4f5a-87b0-21187f8bcb05/1.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Dad Bakes Dad and daughter story!! Baking dad!! Very few words and so much subtext in the illustrations!! A fabulous book for readers of all ages. Author’s note at the end gives the book a totally different context about parents returning home from incarceration. Very thoughtful and heartful book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1639978628813-YX2NND6DVKZVCA06BOK9/81QbHqbCBSL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - It Fell From the Sky This book is a work of art, as all books by the Fan Brothers are. I ADORE these little bugs, they are so cute and hilarious. The story weaves humour and intrigue so well, and the story itself is so interesting. This is my favourite kind of book, one that teaches an excellent moral without ever bashing you over the head with it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640388203058-0SW2LISEBZ51GCWKTUQ7/71PF1T4-B3L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640388204959-O2X86D4V0JBU9VE43FTN/91gj-eVP96L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640388206967-VMG7SL5ST5SBCTWM68NA/91xIjrPeE7L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640388209811-ITDRJUIYM8IRX7TA58GD/A1c9ARrySSL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640414636289-KDX4CMB070OO2Z8UDBTV/1.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1206a95f-1ec2-4ced-ae5b-54f0c999771a/81VFkc8oSHL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Starla Jean I can’t believe there is only one chicken book on my list this year, but this one is worth the stand-out status!! Starla Jean is such a delightful, sweet, hilarious protagonist. An excellent first chapter book, the words are few and the illustrations are so awesome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/0949c623-a79c-4f6b-ac97-48408c79b908/71rrnz39SNL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp Jonathan Auxier wrote one of my favourite middle grade novels ever, and this new series of his is so lovely. It’s got just the right balance of magic, adventure, and mystery. It’s not scary, but it has thrilling moments. I love this kid and the adults around him. A good one for kids who want a gentler easy chapter book instead of a riotously funny one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/6a061c16-f949-4571-8c95-b27470bf6a65/71%2BvzUh1UiL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Bailey the Bat Plucky bat saves tangled up moose from a pack of wolves. So sweet! Bailey uses the ‘them’ pronoun, which I have never seen done for an animal main character in an early chapter book. I love it!! The story is simple, easy, exciting, and fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/59c425b7-24a6-4704-b533-e01e14289d2c/812GhQIPITL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - The Bug Club I adore Elise Gravel and her illustrations. She has a fantastic series about individual animals that are unfairly maligned as pests, but this one covers all bugs and is a great non-fiction read for early chap readers. Funny, interesting, full of facts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/49c6397d-d069-4bc1-9690-6dcea4bb015e/91WxHLm-2eL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Sydney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World Sweet, gentle animal buddy story. I liked that this one had enough elements about their natural animal bodies and instincts that you didn’t forget they were a skunk and hedgehog. Very tame, easy chapter book with lovely friends and no bad parts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/e779694f-dc1c-4956-b33a-de767624c1f8/81tXmoWkjkL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Shelby & Watts: Tide Pool Troubles A great intro graphic novel with two animal detective buddies. Lots of science facts and animal information as well. A lot of animal books in the early chapters this year! This one is great for littles who want to read engaging graphic novels and aren’t old enough to handle some of the bigger graphics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/b99b1977-f07e-4a7f-9b94-f81659e54819/9780593111529.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - J.D. and the Great Barber Battle This was actually published two years ago but I found it this year and I LOVE it. It is a really unique story and one that really lets the main character thrive! It is so warmly and lovingly steeped in Black culture and family and I just adored the story. A fun, interesting, exciting read, and great for an early chapter book readaloud! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/ebbdd62f-becc-4b82-b1c8-031733318255/81%2BO4-imZFL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - See the Cat This one is on the simpler side, a great transition book for littler kids who want to read a slightly longer book. It’s basically a picture book, but longer and told in chapters. It’s HILARIOUS. The humour is so clever and interesting, very Mo Willems-esque. I love this one and the sequel about cats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/16a7ef80-a790-4f95-8461-104efc33f7fd/61fqmVXm2TL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - The Chance to Fly The only bad thing about this book is that it made me so nostalgic for my days of high school and university theatre in a really embarrassing way. You don’t have to be a theatre nerd to love this story, but if you are a theatre nerd or a musical theatre buff, THIS BOOK IS A GODDAMN GEM. This book has EVERYTHING I would have adored at this age: musical theatre, a found family of friends that is just ridiculously heartwarming, a sweet as hell little love story and crush, epistolary passages told in the form of a group chat. There was not a thing about this book I didn’t enjoy, I was quite sad to finish the book and remember that I’m not a thirteen year old actor in a group chat with my BFFs Rey and Hudson. Let me live in this story!! Flawlessly written by #OwnVoices author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/34c323c8-a022-49de-b31a-36ddd5c6126a/81bY2sqpZqL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Ancestor Approved A collection of short stories, each one centered around one family as Nations across the continent gather at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. This book is a collection of staggering talent. Each author listed is an Indigenous author, some new and some well-known, all of whom weave these beautifully interconnected stories. Each segment is infused with family, love, joy, and a lovely diversity of experiences. This was a real year for Indigenous stories that centred joy, identity, and resilience of community, and it’s easy to understand why. Among the stories I read, this is one of my favourites, for the sheer celebration that this book is. The kids and families in this story are varied and different, but all triumphant and united and seeking and finding real joy in community. This is a healing and enriching book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/d64c0b7f-8e1c-4f58-afb8-fc76f146ab5e/81zZK03SIUS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Amari and the Night Brothers What a book! What a wild ride and a seriously thrilling adventure!! I cannot say enough good things about this book. Girl witches coming into their powers were BIG this year, and I could not get enough. The concept of magic folks living amongst human mortals is obviously not a new idea, so it takes a really good, really fresh take to make it come alive like this. And I really think this does it. I highly recommend this book for all kids who love magic and adventure without stuff like crushes and weird drama. There is a slight theme of mean girl bullying but I personally think it’s handled okay and didn’t take me out of the story with epic eye rolling the way it often does. I think you can look past it! Content warning for a missing/presumed dead family member. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/6e967c0b-0dac-46c3-9f99-f81d3cac7f48/54458127._UY2474_SS2474_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Starfish I made the mistake of reading this book on the train and ended up openly weeping into my mask like an absolute embarrassment. It is BEAUTIFUL. I wept for all the moments in this story that made me so angry, so sad, so horrified, and then so triumphant. It is written in verse, which I know is a harder sell sometimes but I LOVE a verse novel and this whole book is poetry. I am so happy that kids today have this book. They are so lucky. There are such painful depictions of bullying and anti-fatness, and the most painful of all are the ways in which Ellie’s own mother and brother let her down. But like I said, there is also SUCH triumph and joy. Watching Ellie win on her own terms is a fist-pumping experience. And Ellie’s idea of ‘starfishing’ - taking up space - is one that I haven’t forgotten since I read it. Yes, YES, to all of us starfishing more, all of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/32a66c1d-967c-49af-bc76-2afe836167d1/2021-12-17+13_22_02-A+Kind+of+Spark+-+Google+Books.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - A Kind of Spark This book is incredible. What a gift to the world. This book covers so many things so well - bullying, the realities of living as an autistic child in a world built for and by neurotypicals, justice and healing, family, trauma and legacy. There’s a bigoted, villainous teacher and some truly gut-wrenching moments, so a) take this as a content warning for the book, but also know that b) most kids will LOVE this because they love a bleak, harrowing tale. There are just beautiful depictions of young autistic adults and family members that are done with such intention, in a way that I cannot recall in any other book I’ve read. I couldn’t put this book down. I will warn that there is lots of bullying and the teacher is actually really vile, so lots of possible triggers. Read with caution! This book is an #OwnVoices, written by an autistic author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/c6a59ee4-5df0-4c05-91a6-a39855822e28/XL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Own Your Period Absolutely fantastic non-fiction book. I am so thrilled that kids get to read this and have resources like this to learn about periods. Nothing like this existed when I was young and it would have made such a difference. This book is so period positive, celebratory, inclusive (trans inclusive, especially) and thoughtful. The language is so intentionally chosen to be both very informative and very kind. It is also funny! There are so many light moments that really take the fear and stigma away from the topic. I am a big proponent of EVERYONE learning more about periods and I highly recommend this book to help kids learn. It’s an excellent resource and also an easy, fun, interesting read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/f68e5eb3-d3a2-4da9-a4ff-0ee7e8b01fe7/71tjZ5S%2BaXL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Eva Evergreen: Semi-Magical Witch Like I said, witches were big this year!! I think this was the third one in a row that I read, so I can say with confidence that this one brought me a lot of joy. One thing I love about this one is the way it flips the script on the ‘Chosen One’ trope. Instead of being uniquely gifted or special, Eva is uniquely challenged at magic, and finds it really difficult. I think this is the only witch book I’ve read that makes magic seem tiring and like a lot of work, which is so neat! I thought this book was charming. It was released in 2020 but it ends on a cliffhanger so I saved it for this year because now the sequel is out! This whole world has a really wholesome, cute, wonderful vibe and just feels so gentle in a way that I think a lot of us need right now. There is not a lot of drama and scary stuff in this one, though there is mention of the death of a family member and discussion of working through that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/13556150-fcbb-43b1-8ad1-67d462ff9bb7/81PYdMktF6L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - The Great Pet Heist I adored this book. Butterbean!! The hero we all need and deserve. I love a girl dog protagonist, so rare! This whole setup is hilarious and precious. A bunch of pets scramble to pull off a heist after their owner, Mrs. Food (that’s what they call her, which is amazing) has an accident. This story was a riot. The author did such a spot-on job capturing the voice of this plucky little dog. Everything about this is sweet and funny, and I highly recommend it as a read-aloud or bedtime book. Also the sequel is out this year! I didn’t get a chance to read very many novels for the younger 5-9 set, but this is one I would pull out for sure. An excellent intro novel that is sweet and devoid of that more cynical and rude humour that populates a lot of these funny animal books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/6499e815-c1ed-42ee-ba42-c51c9904a93b/91-Xx2KBAjL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Healer of the Water Monster What an interesting and magical read!! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this. It’s just so beautifully and heartfully written. It is about a Navajo boy who goes to stay with his grandmother for the summer and ends up meeting a Water Monster, a Holy Being from a story he recognizes hearing his family tell. The adventures that follow are tremendous. And yet the story is SO gentle, so kind, so lovingly told. The pace, the vibe, the energy of this book is just wonderful. Navajo culture and language and world view is woven into every single piece of this story and it is so rich for it. I find it really hard to describe this story because it’s such a uniquely beautiful read. Warning that there is mention of adult PTSD and alchoholism, but that too is done through the lens of loving, supportive healing. I loved this book, and I am so glad I picked it up. It is a different pacing than what some kids may be used to, but it is such a terrific read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/0b80bab7-139c-48e1-9e2f-67672b67c31b/y648.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Borders This is a graphic novel adaptation of Thomas King’s short story. It is GREAT. It is about a boy and his mother being stuck at the Canada-USA border crossing because the citizenship they declared was Blackfoot. Such a simple and powerful story, a really quick read but with so much richness and depth. There’s also the element of the story that is about mothers and daughters and about striking out and finding your own place away from home, and about forgiveness and healing and what it means to support each other as family. I absolutely loved this story. I think it’s thought-provoking but also light and funny and interesting and it’s really well told. I would recommend this to all kids, especially as we have complex discussions in families and classrooms about what it means to respect Indigenous sovereignty and nationhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640073432555-W1NP6ENA9QQATQMLIK9K/81yAJ4hnebL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640073433150-CHE0ITLMI8P8HF124WFC/91VrbCcBFPS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640246091914-IDJZ521T29QXPNZKNQFA/71u6YALzTGL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640387916427-OS3RZV2FPB1P0C6S3KH2/81nVi3hbl1S.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640387916613-8T1S6WAQ4QGUZFWFDW2F/91OcHl8IrpS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071857726-JNENEN9ZW7FES79KBU48/1.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071860500-9KSCTGDF8XFJBWNN84S0/A1DpHZ1QIKS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071856957-NZK7JX96YV3DLQF2QBH6/71uiiAWZuNL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071857677-QLE51LDZZE3HXJ8QU93H/1643750062.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071859786-3ZTL0OJWVSVI6POGL03L/rabbit-bear-a-bad-king-is-a-sad-thing-9781645176022_hr.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071701447-1YMZ9XBILLTIPBS8N60V/61g7%2B5%2BpytL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071701655-RZMARBOEQUQFRTFAOQF8/71gmuRvlKBL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640391675237-QLYULNQ81RABA0L124LS/91mOklsgW6L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071702211-3YGO4XZ7C1OJ82UPMQNZ/71tsp4xfS%2BL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071703191-HYFUKWL9A4PKTZWMW7F2/81whIihWrLL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071706466-EYSFJHJYKV5MYR17MLUF/5972095.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071704276-2V9MUK1DT78UH943TPV3/91sgtlZ12IS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071708142-XKW1QLS9C8KWFSK4KJ0A/9781772601664.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071704184-MY9QURN2UQH0N8T661UQ/710tg4SdrBL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1640071705685-U26U3GOW4ZCXF50W4V0F/816UQvc-WiL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/389b3a5d-0a2d-41e8-ac69-99d4265b2a17/A1sZenOVLdL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - New Year This is such a unique picture book because I truly think it was written with an adult audience in mind. I actually don’t know if kids would enjoy it or get it, to be honest, because all the characters are adults and the whole story is about mundance adulting. But ANY immigrant who has left family behind or lives apart from their parents will WEEP FOR HOURS at this story like I did. Why did these people write a book about me and my dad? I don’t know, and I hate and love them for it. An especially great read during times when many of us haven’t seen our parents for literal years. Too real. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/af42fca3-07f1-4739-873b-0bd0b9d88b94/71tVXKju8SS.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Wishes This book almost broke my fucking heart. It is a work of art, it is a powerful and breathtaking story, and it is a simple and extremely complex, tough read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/2940c38c-1f97-4a77-a73f-dc8ce6c85e98/91ewcn%2BIfCL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - I Dream of Popo Another one about immigration, the guilt of leaving people behind, the complex feelings of growing and changing as you embrace your new home. JUST CRYING FOR HOURS about missing my own grandparents. Truly a book that captures the nuance of being an immigrant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/3f0c971a-68b0-4e45-bb02-e31e1985e6ba/81txPVAJJhL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2021 - Bear is a Bear I just cannot say anything about this book without giving away the entire plot but I will tell you that the book jacket describes it as a story about “the enduring love between a little girl and her childhood friend”. Just take my word for it and start weeping already. https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/only-thin-people-can-clarinet monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/9e25a4ce-01e1-4ca1-a994-0b0ae3ad6fb3/1.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/4d701121-8424-4a56-bc73-135e36ac84cf/2.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636872543368-KOXI1K9RC569DAQO2V75/3.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636872541169-13H95OXF2SLIDBX29YUC/4.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636872702631-XJ6EH00R4AG0EB15YALY/5.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636872619626-YYHNCVSLMJ2YA8X6DJ1J/6.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636872621871-WYMX2LY0V6KDYZIOKKZ3/7.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636872624051-YDSPX01I75K82WV3SL5E/8.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/450de7a3-72d3-414c-8363-a9a84db4a41c/9.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet Entire orchestras! But only thin people can clarinet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/26dbc11a-d56a-459d-8b90-e76563cf8f39/10.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet Yes we can build a scooter from a log and attach literal springs to our feet, but fat kids?! Can't stretch the imagination that far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636873358614-O6Q90GYKH9JRDKC86X88/11.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636873360513-PR233SH3WUWK0KFX4UQ8/12.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636873364610-4DNL9N8J0E2MHKJXWIOP/13.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636873369561-T3LRX0FSV7N06Y5FERFT/14.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636873952998-680HRO1FMGMMR82VJPRP/15.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636873955240-LH92DCI1VBV39O33X120/16.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636874124604-9CLH0GVKFDW1L17SUH52/17.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - 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Only thin people can clarinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636875292029-KCFJM3OET2AKA6SWEIPA/36.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Only thin people can clarinet https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/no-more-slanty-eyes monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636152920347-RQH04V3XFP68F36Y1QSQ/E8IkiqKUUAI6lDu.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636152920675-T3JMT04N2ZH6A8L1AZDZ/E8Ikis2VEAAGXUx.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636152921733-IROIOYFTIC0MRAD3A9KF/E8IlKMeVoAEjWG-.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636153001232-IOPN6VXGIS8TCNGWGRLA/E8IlKMhVgAMVj3M.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636153572968-HKCCRNS1PYXMQ8KT1RS1/E8IkuprUUAgPLPr.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - 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No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636153599235-S4PZ8ZGDDNFLE8O4M1WI/E8ImL-4VkAAPtD6.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787598379-Z6JJJU145I7UC21P8J4S/71dCKKSeRKL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787598652-RWMPRF96P6HYGSPTBM28/81eOow%2B4N6S.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787599790-J6945QGQC9VFIBFRT58T/81euZ7Z7yqL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787600792-J4BSRGE2GOV11RJDZ9EJ/91ewcn%2BIfCL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787601323-TIVDBKVAWKDK5BEND3OT/813OInBjjoL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787601490-ET7UG34OHZCGSSIV4T2V/9781984814876.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787602233-MUJO9OY4INPBFX0GR5YY/hana_hashimoto_sixth_violin.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787602298-6SWJ1Y1PESCCBY71KVQ5/y648.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636787946216-YW78M9YQKXILMRLFYXEX/91PDdD3DXFL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636788312362-OP8NZZ6I4016PXP7ET9R/m.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636788365337-P39J6ESONUNWM3LLJZ7L/917eSN-rXUL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636788393350-R79HNNP7FI0F6LJ9FE4Y/81GKoQxnxRL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - No more slanty eyes https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/she-can-be-an-alligator monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840747392-5QZB9WB7DMKAFUQFTNEG/51m07BAiMTL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840747423-FR8AMYP5DVFN9JN8IUZB/51nSQSDoCnL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840748574-NE66V7P9YQLFIIWXYSFM/81S4SmKx53L.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840749603-LDA3AOGMQ55TE1PZCC71/913nY-%2BHJIL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840749109-OIZJH3IUKMYB3R70G4SU/9780571335954.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840749703-O4SO66OARLJQL5KUGCFK/dear-zoo-9781534460126_hr.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840980319-HYXHWON07ETICQOZUS34/Ev--EiJUcAAMkAW.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840980866-XUL5JAL1GA06FBAVPXML/Ev--I99VEAAPwXk.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840981993-RP1X44N3ZM85R2BNPDY0/Ev--QnDVcAArDXU.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636840982132-SR49ES3N4NH6Z4TE5BLR/Ev--TUCUcAIU5HZ.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/6c2c0195-2468-4db9-91d2-90d02ff29573/a2.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too Like, for crying out loud, this book has only ALPHABET LETTERS and the only gender that is present is a ‘he’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/930b3f34-2488-499f-ab47-ccfbc56821ae/2021-11-13+14_20_40-Alligators+can+be+girls%2C+too+%E2%80%94+Elaine+Su.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too Classic board book has eight animals and not a single one is a ‘she’. YES, OKAY lions with manes are male but DON'T TELL ME YOU KNOW HOW TO SEX A CARTOON SNAKE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/ad157c39-b885-4bb7-8e14-db1516eee713/2021-11-13+14_21_00-Alligators+can+be+girls%2C+too+%E2%80%94+Elaine+Su.png Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too I'm not actually mad about this one. Gimme more male protagonists who put fashion and glitter before friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636842755088-JO50DT1Q8AZU0MWCEVLM/91DJw3qZ4FL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636842754311-YE0KSFJXWUL2YPVRCZAG/Ev-_5VkVEAIeoIM.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636842754967-RWHZSQQJ3GPVROFP4B1B/Ev-_5VmUUAAsSEO.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/390a9104-87e5-455f-bac7-4443a1f66f6c/Ev_AR3NU8AAi1oe.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/13e640ee-11bf-44a5-b0ab-e48e77584a8d/Xv_TKefPIPnx8GKC_4OXmomH1brrYSgo0nI-R4Bw3TE.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636843621954-17WPNLV9SQEEEFJ7OPEB/Ev_B-T8VgAEt5Sh.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636844235423-N5A53QEYPRJJG4W7EQJJ/51MlFJKI8fL.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636844235413-9K4V2TUBBFA2B5DFQCCQ/21166_b.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/886d908d-83f8-411d-b164-2754d5a5f70b/Ev_EU5OVEAIHwax.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too - Interrupting Chicken One of my all-time favourite read-aloud stories, excellent for voices and surprise interruptions and many belly laughs. I love this chicken. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/b15685a8-bf3c-4304-ad94-f6f5cf4700f7/Ev_Ex3uUcAAKhaG.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too - Maisy There are no bad Maisy books!! In this house we stan Maisy. Every single book does an excellent job distilling ideas and experiences into fun little nuggets of joy for tiny kids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/7b186ef4-d93d-49a9-8311-8c8f4f2ff70d/Ev_EdNtVgAEMKGH.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/44b2c29c-698c-41e9-ad9a-1740c7c54cc3/Ev_Eb96U8AES1jl.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too - Nanette’s Baguette I love Mo Willems so much and this one is hilarious and the rhymes are so good. Plus, special mention to Piggie who is a she and also best friends with a boy elephant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/2e6cbde4-1b31-493b-b0ba-b5b15d1df762/Doodle+Bites.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too - Doodle Bites There's a GIRL ALLIGATOR. I repeat, GIRL ALLIGATOR. Alligators are never allowed to be shes, so this one is just A+ great. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/bc469759-7b6f-45b6-a476-1ff351375f26/Ev_FVp4VkAAyE_e.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Alligators can be girls, too - Copy Cat Second to alligators, dogs are the next least common girl animals (according to the Science of Su) and this book has both a GIRL DOG and a BOY CAT yessss. https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/black-history-month-a-book-a-day monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869606246-HMZ9JQT5ITY8H2V61M50/1.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - ME & MAMA, Cozbi A. Cabrera A beautiful picture book celebrating the joy of mother-daughter love. I adore reading this one, it is equal parts sweet, loving, and funny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869606278-G5LYXZI4Z3Z7UT4Y6YKV/2.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - A PLACE INSIDE OF ME: A POEM TO HEAL THE HEART, Zetta Elliott & Noa Denmon An honouring of Black joy, sorrow, resilience, community. Great book about emotions and hard feelings. Rhythmic and lyrical. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869608506-I8RQKERSFVP5T7GVR9AW/3.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - NANA AKUA GOES TO SCHOOL, Tricia Elam Walker & April Harrison I'm such a sucker for an immigrant grandparent story and this one is just A+. Celebration of intergenerational love and learning and ancestral traditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869607382-95FQ6SW1EZROKAGCDDE4/4.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - TWINS, Varian Johnson & Shannon Wright So much joy and family love. A story about sisterhood and identity, about finding your identity both within and without your family. So much heart in this graphic novel! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869608680-9CAPTX8BNSV39Z3CRVMN/5.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - THE ROOTS OF RAP, Carole Boston Weatherford & Frank Morrison Beats and rhythm jump right off the page. A+ non-fiction book with good info back matter. Uplifting celebration of artistry through history of rap music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869609913-1PX0REXGLN4L1FMYQUW7/6.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - CATCH THAT CHICKEN! Atinuke & Angela Brooksbank I think this book is hilarious. Simple story of pride in our unique skills, plus resilience and problem-solving. And I love all chicken-themed books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869609579-XQP6ORDJW5NJTER6B2BC/7.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - DEAR MARTIN, Nic Stone Beautiful YA novel. There are a number of YA and MG novels that deal with anti-Black police violence and this one is my fave. Powerful and riveting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869610299-6VYHJV259U4NU13MTP50/8.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON, Janae Marks Middle-grade novel. Plucky and intrepid protagonist kid baker solves case of her wrongfully imprisoned father. Lightness, gravity, friendship, grandma love, blended families, love love love! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869610611-F035818NS24YNRR1YNJM/9.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT, Derrick Barnes & Gordon C. James Fun, jubilant, a celebration of Black joy and Black culture and Black boys. Also hair stories and culture is such a home for joy and community amongst racialized people. Love this book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869610881-NLU27X449JQHQWGM982A/10.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - THE WALKING BATHROOM, Shauntay Grant & Erin Bennett Banks Canadian author of 'AFRICVILLE' which is also superb. This one's a little less known and so frickin funny and happy. Make it your next Halloween read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869611209-MITO9AOLV13WTG61RKSN/11.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - THE PROUDEST BLUE, Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali Sisters! So nice to see a sister story about support, love, mutual admiration. So nuanced, love that it shows that little kids start off kind and learn racism as they go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869612953-VWQ2SI2X39E45YS1DTW2/12.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - ASTRO GIRL, Ken Wilson-Max One of my all-time faves. Father-daughter relationship, kickass mother, ambition, fun, love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869612962-NG27P06SH2BD9TK44BD7/13.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - VAMPIRES DON'T WEAR POLKA DOTS, Pearl Low Ok yes this is cheating because it's not even out yet but it's BHM and LNY and Pearl's cover reveal and this is the perfect book for it. I am giddy to read this and can't wait to invite Pearl to ALL THE SCHOOLS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869613877-37SLJODZZ98FQR4DDVVS/14.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - ODD ONE OUT, Nic Stone A love story story for Valentine's Day! This queer YA novel captures all the awkward, complex, messy, beautiful parts of taking in love and finding yourself as a teen. So glad this book exists for young ppl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869613712-PJ6N796J62QFAYV5HXZC/15.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - PLEASE, BABY, PLEASE, Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee & Kadir Nelson So many family book options for Family Day but I'm picking this. Beautiful baby board book, love this one especially for new parents. All the joys and struggles and family love of new parenthood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869614330-POCFF8EIXDB41B36TA6W/16.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - BUNHEADS, Misty Copeland & Setor Fiadzigbey Great picture book whether you're a fan of dance or not. Semi-autobiograpgical story by the incredible Misty Copeland. Her first picture book is also great. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869614593-CMAF9304FAMULYE1HU1A/17.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - BOONOONOONOUS HAIR, Olive Senior & Laura James Jamaican-Canadian author. Very fun book to read aloud because boonoonoonous is a very fun word! Love this author’s other books also. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869616153-9J12L7047X9JYVBESINJ/18.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - VIOLA DESMOND WON'T BE BUDGED! Jody Nyasha Warner & Richard Rudnicki Well told and beautifully illustrated picture book about an important figure in Canadian history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869615410-L6IG9D3FDMLUCT0YY76F/19.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY, Kwame Mbalia One of my fave middle-grade adventure fantasy series. Especially recommend for any readers who like stories like Harry Potter but could do without the raging transphobia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869616073-PIIZWYEXEBOM3LQNMR8E/20.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - CHRISTOPHER CHANGES HIS NAME, Itah Sadu & Roy Condy A great Canadian author, reads like Munsch for a great read-aloud. A very different kind of story for the 'name identity' conversation, one where the name is hated for its banality, not its difference! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869616917-RJMC63OWO0S3VTXFEZRA/21.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - ANOTHER, Christian Robinson One of my favourite author-illustrators. This is an excellent wordless pic book full of fun and whimsy and curiosity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869616975-BOV77IQJCA41UFN6X7PX/22.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - THE POET X, Elizabeth Acevedo Verse YA novel. Acevedo has written a few more books now that are all good but this is the one that took my breath away. Remains one of my fave books ever. Identity, body, womanhood, family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869617718-1FSMBR06618U4KHH0VVC/23.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - MOVERS, SHAKERS, HISTORY MAKERS: THE CANADIAN BLACK HISTORY BOOK OF RHYMES, Akilah Newton & Danielle Murrell Cox Same author as did the Big Dreamers activity book which I just love. Short, digestible poems with great info. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869617851-5EABE1HHNH5TR7UXJI52/24.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - A GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE, Lisa Moore Ramée Excellent MG novel about activism, courage, BLM, friendship, crushes, family. I love the discussion of non-Black POC allyship. Also love books that permit and hold space for the anger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869618434-NU3BVJC735OZK57Z0FPA/25.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - SKIN AGAIN, bell hooks Beautiful lyrical writing and illustrations. Simple picture book with not so simple ideas and thoughts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869618695-52G3UV6X4HES76E9UN0C/26.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - SULWE, Lupita Nyong'o This book surprised me and took my breath away. Colourism and seeing our own brightness and light. Stunning in illustration and wording. Mother-daughter love, journey to self-love, it all reads so pure and beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869620190-5FMSPLD8AH6ND5UHFJFI/27.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER, Kyle Lukoff & Kaylani Juanita Trans boy prepares to welcome his new sibling. Such a sweet, wholesome read about family, siblinghood, parenting, love. Fantastic #OwnVoices book for any kiddos who are becoming big brothers/sisters! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636869619835-NL7WFZW62QGIIBD81WM0/28.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Black History Month: a book a day - JADEN TOUSSAINT, THE GREATEST, Marti Dumas & Marie Muravski Ending on a great note. Excellent first chapter book. Funny read. Parents might complain but kids will love the hero's mission: 'quest for screen time'. https://www.elainesu.com/mssu-bookshelf/best-books-of-2020 monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876253811-ZPS7V7B0HUOLDLOBVIBD/unsplash-image-dsTVwp376kc.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Oh yes, it's that time again. Read on to see what books I read and loved in the library this year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876616192-Y1H5FLEMN16F4R6FANKA/anything.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - I Can Be Anything Like all Yoshitake books, this one is laugh-out-loud, pee-trickles-out, snort-snort funny. Yoshitake is one of my all-time favourite picture book author illustrators. This book is a ridiculous game of charades - any child whose mother failed to guess 'I'm an upside-down clothespin' or any mother whose child chose 'upside-down clothespin' for a game of pretend...will feel this story. The facial expressions on Natsumi and her mother just kill me. You can read and guess along and I guarantee you will laugh at the un-guessable things Natsumi pretends to be. Ages 2-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876620596-3BL8X1CSE0L8P4SHASUR/puffy.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Purple Puffy Coat This is such a lovely story about friendship and being thoughtful, with brilliant illustrations. Flamboyantly fashionable Beetle gives Stick Bug a very extra coat for his birthday, but doesn't realize how much Stick Bug hates all the attention he gets from it. It's a sweet tale of two friends who love each other learning that giving gifts is about the receiver, not the giver. A great story that is funny, never heavy-handed or patronizing, and teaches great things about generosity and thoughtfulness without shoving it down your throat. I hate that. Ages 5-8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876617156-XDEE75M48J24KRZ5CPWA/gonggong.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - My Day With Gong Gong I recently bought seven copies of this book and sent it to so many friends with young kids. This book! HONESTLY. I know some will say that the 'I don't understand my grandpa' story has been told too oft already, but I disagree. It's my jam. This book is set in Chinatown, and since the author is a Vancouverite, it is actually set in Chinatown Vancouver! You'll recognize the gates and the shops immediately. This is a story of a kid and her grandpa and how they muddle through the generational and cultural barriers one afternoon in Chinatown. It's about family love, it's about language and culture, it's about baos, it's honestly everything. The glasses, the old cap, the puffy friggin vest, I just cannot deal, I'm sorry. Someone wrote a book about my grandpa. Please buy this book if you can find any copies I haven't purchased already. Ages 3-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876624937-3QOWN3HE7D19NZ4K50TP/underwear.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Attack of the Underwear Dragon Yes, I love potty humour and I am a sucker for any book with 'underwear' in the title. There were so many terrific toilet humour books to pick from this year, but this is my favourite. It's got knights in training, boys who cry unapologetically, sweet feelings, hilarious quips, plus giant underpants. Any child would enjoy this story, seriously. And adults who enjoy underpants humour, WHICH IS ALL ADULTS. Ages 3-8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876622755-X99PGZJGIR62T2B84LXI/swift.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Swift Fox All Along Beautifully illustrated story that will be relatable for anyone who feels out of place in their family sometimes. Swift Fox is a young girl meeting her Mi'kmaq side of the family for the first time and dealing with all the big feelings that come along with it. I love the way this book calls bullshit on but then comes around on the idea of these disparate parts being 'inside you all along'. What a hard thing for a kid (or an adult!) to grapple with. Anyone who's felt like an imposter around a culture or family that's supposed to be part of you will feel this story. Author is Mi'kmaw and illustrator is Ojibwe. Consider buying this one from Strong Nations. Ages 5-9 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876621635-OPX0VMTF8U932O02WY3I/omu.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Thank You, Omu Such a lovely, wholesome story about community, generosity, and gratitude. Omu makes a delicious stew that has everyone knocking on her door hoping for a taste. She gives away so much that she doesn't have any left for dinner, but, spoiler alert, of course the neighbourhood comes together to take care of her. A beautiful collage-illustrated book that my toddler loves for its repetition, bright colours, and simple lesson. A terrific read-aloud and read-along! Ages 2-6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876616887-SR09PL71JAUEY95DWHIC/books.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Help Wanted, Must Love Books I love me a good fractured fairy tale story and this one is up there with Interrupting Chicken, by David Ezra Stein, which is one of my all-time favourites. In this story, Shailey looks for a new bedtime storyteller after firing her dad on account of him being too busy with his new job. Great premise and hilarious follow-up in which various fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters come to interview for the position. For kids who are familiar with the classic Western European fairy tales and nursery rhymes, this story will get lots of giggles! Note: whilst the protagonist is Black, neither author nor illustrator are, to my knowledge, women of colour. I have included this title, however, because I am a big fan of books that normalize non-white kids just living their best lives. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1636876619942-NG7GF4FJEYTEQUGHK4DS/oboe.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom I wish I could make this list a Top 100 so I could include more non-fiction, but alas. This is one of my favourite non-fics this year. An informative, hilarious, and interesting walk through some of the instruments in a band. Great for kids in aged 8 and under as a broad introduction to musical instruments, or for any kids who love music. There are so many jokes that I laughed out loud at. For example, "If you blow TOO hard, the clarinet will squeak and mice will fall in love with you. I'm kidding! *That's only happened once." And oh my gosh, little Felicity who can't hold her excitement for the drum back. It's adorable and hilarious, and lends itself very well to mutliple re-reads because there's so much information in there. Ages 3-8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637040519049-LG03GOG2IEXRFGU3STT5/beautiful.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Most Beautiful Thing OKAY, THIS ONE. Y'all know I am a sucker for a good grandparent story. It feels a little like cheating because I already included My Day With Gong Gong, but this one is downright weepy. In a good way. It draws from Yang's experience as a Hmong refugee and deals with intergenerational love and wisdom, as well as poverty and richness and the time-old classic - treasuring what you have. I love the way this story touches on really hard topics in such a beautiful, gentle way that honours harsh truths and also wraps kids up in a sweet, sweet embrace. Plus, the illustrations are breathtaking. There is so much heart and care in this book. Also, I love the way this book, much like Birdsong, by Julie Flett (do you like how I keep cheating by squeezing additional books into this list), lets an elder age and die in a soft, sad but non-traumatic way that honours their lives. Kids need that, and they get it. Ages 7+ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637040828518-W168DAQXP68CCE7I9BK7/rescue.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Rescuing Mrs. Birdley Another really funny story! Miranda watches a lot of nature documentaries, so when she sees her teacher outside of her natural habitat - school, of course - she knows just how to gently capture her and take her back to her natural home. I loved this one! The illustrations of Miranda are just spot on. Any teacher who's been seen in *gasp* the supermarket or anyone who's experienced the horror of seeing their teachers living actual lives will laugh out loud. Ages 3-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637040826534-KL5OK5IL9FX3JZ6PH5U4/good.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - I Am Every Good Thing I love books that live in the Venn diagram overlap of books that are Important Deemed By Adults and books that kids enjoy reading. This is one of those. It's a book of inspiration and self-esteem and a power ballad for the joy of being a young Black boy. But it's also funny and quirky and light. It's relatable in the way it picks up on all kinds of things that kids love and all kinds of feelings that kids have. Every library should have this book because it showcases Black joy and lifts up Black boys with a deep and genuine love. Every child should read this book because it's fun, it's rhythmic, it's beautiful, and it'll help you kick ass. Ages 4-9 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637040827461-6IGUPAL7L33H9EY8CHWU/princesses.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Princesses Versus Dinosaurs One of my favourite subcategories of children's lit is princess books and, okay, do I ever have a princess book for you! The premise of this story is princesses and dinosaurs vying over control of the book. Linda Bailey is a Vancouver author and truly she can write no wrong. The story is one we've heard before: everything is sweeter when we shake off the boxes that try to contain us. What I love about this book is that it is not only hysterical and breaks the fourth wall (very hip in picture books right now), it also casually portrays very diverse princesses. You've got princesses of all races, princesses in wheelchairs, princesses who are boys, princesses with glasses! I love them all and I'm thrilled for the little boy in a glittery dress who will read this book and not think twice because this is exactly what a princess looks like, to him. Also, any book that has princesses rolling up their sleeves to engage in fisticuffs is a winner for me. Ages 3-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637040827367-M50KNPNS3ZB9MPLJAIXJ/magical.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii Simply a must-have. Written by two Haida women, this book features the depiction of ten traditional Magical Beings from Haida culture, each embodying connection to land, sea, and sky. It's a gorgeous book that will spark the imagination and wonder of young readers. It's also excellent for reading about connection with nature, and in a year where I think a lot of young people have been forced to get more in touch with nature, it's a brilliant piece of connection. I love how it is really quite magical and such an enjoyable honouring of Haida knowledge and tradition. Consider buying this one from Strong Nations. Ages 4-9 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637040828826-1LFXEOTG09VS2IEFAN1O/sugar.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Sugar in Milk First of all, I didn't realize until just now that this book was also illustrated by Khoa Le. Le was busy this year illustrating amazing books! Just like The Most Beautiful Thing, this book's artwork is just stunning. It's a parable about making room and finding sweetness seen from the perspective of a young girl immigrant who is living with her aunt and uncle and struggling to find joy in her new home. Again, love that this book does not hit you over the head with the moral of the story. It is one that I can see kids wanting to reread because it's got layers but is still simple and interesting. For younger kids, it's a lovely story. For older kids, it's a great gateway to conversations about immigration, belonging, and optimism. But don't let that deter you - it's also just a damn good story. Ages 5-9 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637040826899-ZT8NLDRWQ8D4YQARGCI9/lawrence.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Lawrence: The Bunny Who Wanted to be Naked The word naked is in the title! Instant win, no further explanation needed. But because I'm just too verbose, this is a fantastic mother-son story about a fashion-loving mother who gives her son so many fabulous things to wear when all he wants to be is naked. Did I relate too closely to this mother? MAYBE. But the plot twist comes when Lawrence devises a plan to help her see his perspective, and she falls for it because she just loves him so much. This book is so sweet and funny and I love, love, love a good mother-son story. Buy this for the mom in your life who can't stop dressing up her children - OKAY FINE IT'S ME. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637045697008-CE5X9P6UWZL3WUU08OS2/bottoms.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637045696588-BEQBYUTYV75C5B69FMAS/not.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637045698876-9RC3XZJ44JOYRYKJCO2Q/sharing.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637045698834-M9FC7ZV9GQI543EU9AIX/thesaurus.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637041789924-ZG3WR3QVWJVJK6CAAVZQ/skunk.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Skunk and Badger It's a modern day Frog and Toad with some attitude and chickens thrown in. I absolutely adore Jon Klassen's illustrators and they add perfectly to the story. The 'unlikely friendship' trope is very standard in early chapter books, but for good reason. This is such a charming and hilarious story, it's an awesome read-aloud that kids will want to come back to over and over again. Ages 5-8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637041779834-BLYTSJR143R6ORTDK00C/fairy.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Fairy Mom and Me Adult readers might be familiar with Sophie Kinsella, who wrote the Shopaholic series. This is her first foray into early chapter books and it's great! It's a perfect bedtime story for little ones or independent read for bigger little ones. Ella's mother is a fairy like all the women in her family, but she doesn't do the best job remembering how to cast her spells accurately. It's up to Ella and her auntie and grandmother to pitch in and help. Yes, it's super cutesy and the glitter practically falls out of the book when you open it. But it's so lovely and actually a really nice matriarch story. Plus, I love books that let adults fail and make mistakes, and this series does that in spades. Ages 5-8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637041783755-JG2140YI3D38DWHT8JHD/hyena.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Who Would Win? Hyena vs. Honey Badger I adore animal non-fiction books and this series is the bomb. Kids reread these books over and over again. They're so interesting and full of digestible, age-appropriate factoids, and the premise is exactly the kind of thing 8 year old kids (and maybe 30 year old adults) wonder about all the time. The book keeps you guessing until the very end. I won't even ruin it for you, you'll have to read it to see who wins the fictional battle between hyena and honey badger. Ages 4-8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637041784598-IZRYMERCQU9JZFYXBHXK/mindy.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade There are so many great new series coming out to kick the Horrible Harrys of character-driven early chap into the dumpster of boring books where they belong. Wow, I have strong feelings about this! I've included several more in the series section, but this is my favourite recent addition. Don't let the cover fool you, this series does an A+ job of showcasing Mindy's indentity and culture without tokenizing it. Like, in the first book she literally starts up a black market seaweed enterprise at her school. I am especially fond of this one in the series because we need so much more non-Chinese rep in the Lunar New Year story! Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637041785536-HAI6ZPZZPMFIABZMH3DZ/rabbit.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Rabbit & Bear: A Bite in the Night Okay I'm cheating a little with this one because not only is it terribly similar to Skunk and Badger, it is also technically a 2019 book...But I missed it last year and IT NEEDS TO BE READ. This is my favourite series in this age range at the moment. I am in love with the grumpy and anxious Rabbit, and the lovable, sweet Bear. The writing is fantastic and kids cannot get enough of these stories. Great for a kid beginning to read with help, or a bedtime read over several nights. I promise you, everyone will laugh. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042049319-T3DVYNHZ70CKU82UB94U/elizabeth.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - A is for Elizabeth This book is so friggin hysterical. The way Rachel Vail has written Elizabeth's voice in this book is just adorable and hilarious. The sentences are short and do a very good job of capturing the essence of this character and this age. It's a great book to read together with little kiddos. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042069609-DSMDOPR3VHYDHHR7FTHR/kitty.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue Another mother-daughter magic book. There must be a lot of mothers reading with their daughters (lovely) because these are popping up everywhere! Kitty's mother has catlike superpowers that she will grow into too one day, but in the meantime she has to figure out how she's ever going to be a superhero when she's not even brave enough to go out at night. Sweet and has proven really engaging for young readers. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042048762-VUH9ONVY8DPATXLV1H3U/data.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Data Set: Down the Brain Drain I love this series, it's like a modern-day Magic School Bus, except the kids drive the bus themselves. It's so well-written, the characters are all well fleshed-out, and the plots are interesting and unique - all of which is often not present in books for this age range. Really great series for little ones whose curiosity is peaked more by interesting than goofy. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042048296-LLCF76X6KWYYITVLIRD6/bigfoot.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Big Foot and Little Foot: The Bog Beast SO SWEET. I love a giant-tiny friendship, and this one is unlike most because it is told from Hugo, the young Sasquatch's, point of view! All kinds of mythical creatures make appearances and the whole adventure is lovely. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042048311-25IR6CIW8RFEO2QZRE55/bots.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Bots: The Lost Camera I like this one because it's a legit graphic novel for this age range. Kids this age are so wanting to read graphics but there are so few great ones that are targeted at their age. This series is goofy and funny and really captivating. Great choice for kids who need a gentle nudge before picking up a book. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042318814-BB7RT4Q7HXGM2CBRA7SG/owl.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042317473-Y35FCROJ4N5YFNIYM73Y/badguys.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042317588-3LM53X61F5D2NJRG3H1W/dragon.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042319395-86RRJQSD6G1S4HA7ZQDQ/princessinblack.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042318235-V9YFHBUEI07C8S3KHZO1/heartwood.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042322465-JIJX2ODDVRI3AYR78JSU/yasmin.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042319440-7Q92PWUURR3YX7H84FZY/squad.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042320680-140K403T08O4L07DR5ZR/zoey.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042318660-H9SY43ZL6ZTBCSDDDJTN/mercy.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042318136-T4YRQC5BJQA1G7FOH752/eerie.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042709427-6QDX91OQ5CVG2X11PHK2/phoebe.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042710043-FN43VNRCNSWY1J9W70L5/stories.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042710342-MGF3EVYV94JP1UT6BL7F/tristan.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042833647-HXS25SLM0BIQUAI7V8US/spy.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042833071-7OR6MQTH0AS3LX98KI0O/evil.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042708745-T8W1D2FENREXKBY3738F/perfect.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042833108-2DBW0YCMNRW1S3J2FUIM/rider.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042708664-1DNFWKWT1APLMIEANGZ0/pages.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042710857-9SLR7W30PRXCJPK1EUWX/whatever.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637042709471-TXE8FNJGEHII1JNA8SS3/scavenger.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043150842-5QOR4WT71UXU25RG9HTY/barren.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Barren Grounds This book is everything. It's going to be compared to Chronicles of Narnia a lot, which is a shame because it's so different in that it does not suck. My very official professional opinion! This is a great adventure story that weaves modern fantasy elements with traditional Indigenous tales. The protagonists are two Indigenous kids living with foster parents (who are good foster parents, thank goodness for sidestepping that trope!) but embark upon an epic hero mission in a mysterious alternate place called Misewa. It's a great non-scary adventure fantasy book that also has great secondary characters - every book needs more cheeky talking squirrels! This is an awesome book that honours the author's Cree tradition and celebrates storytelling, adventure, and stewardship of the land. A must-read! Ages 8+ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043152812-QS618YTZTN8FC4FE7IP1/trouble.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - A Good Kind of Trouble This is my favourite middle-grade book on the Black Lives Matter movement. Shayla is a young Black girl who, though she doesn't consider herself an activist like her sister, starts a movement in her school after witnessing the racial injustice around her. I absolutely love the nuance that this book creates in not painting racialized kids as monoliths. There are different groups of Black kids in school, there's conversations about 'being Black enough', there is a whole thing about East Asians appropriating Black culture (hello, Awkwafina) - Lisa Moore Ramée just kills it. You can tell when an author respects kids and Ramée just does. She knits these incredibly complex issues together into such an endearing story about activism, hope, family, and justice. What I love most of all is that Ramée honours anger and lets her characters feel that justifiable rage, but still manages to envelop this story in hope. It makes it the perfect middle-grade read. Also there's crushes and hot boys and boys you THOUGHT were hot until they showed their true face! Total winner. Ages 8-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043151391-XOHFI62PM2O6KBFFATT2/sign.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Show Me A Sign Oh man, if there's one thing I've learned as a children's librarian, it's that there is nothing they love more in the intermediate grades than a truly harrowing tale of peril and suffering. They're so grim. This book is an instant winner. It has a really interesting true historical setting: a community in Martha's Vineyard in the early 1800s where one in four residents was born deaf. The author is a Deaf librarian and masterfully transcribes visual sign language into written text. The protagonist, Mary, is a young Deaf girl who has to deal with an outsider who comes to her village with the intention of 'studying' its residents. Great nuanced depiction of life in the village with regards to colonialism, racism, and bigotry in Mary's interactions with the Black freedmen and Wampanoag people. And of course, terrifying drama ensues, the grimness of which have satisfied the most emo of my intermediate readers. Ages 8-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043153346-96ZA17Q0UE9VOB7GSWYN/twins.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Twins Sweet and uplifting sibling story! Two twin girls who have been close their whole lives try to navigate pre-teen life as they figure out who they are independent of each other. Classic tale, really well told and illustrated. I am a big fan of stories that let their characters have cutthroat competition and then find resolution, and in this story the two girls are running against each other for Class President. I especially love this super wholesome family where parents apologize for getting things wrong and big brothers look after their kid sisters happily and lovingly. it's just lovely. I want to join this family. Ages 7-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043150042-3ROH03O5QH8E0RBJASX0/dress.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Dress Coded This is another book I've bought for so many kids. THIS BOOK! It is a brilliantly executed story about unfair and sexist dress codes. But it's also a TREASURE of a novel about friendship, leadership, activism, and family. And it's so bloody funny. I laughed out loud many times. Molly starts a podcast after she sees one of her friends being harshly punished for the school's dress codes. Things escalate and before she knows it, she's started a revolution. There's a minor subplot around Molly's older brother and his vaping business/addiction, and I've read some reviews that don't like this part of the book. But I actually loved it. I thought it allowed for a really genuine conversation about the complexity of family and familial loyalty. Parts of this book are written in text/message format, which I love and kids love. Plus, truly diabolically evil antagonist teachers, which I love and kids love. The way the whole book is written really captures the messiness, complexity, and dynamism of tween life. It's such a darn enjoyable read and a real treat. Ages 9+ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043150715-WQ1BWXDFLMTVJDO9N00E/nevermoor.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow This is the third book in the Nevermoor series, and the entire series is BONKERS GOOD. It follows Morrigan Crow and her time at the Wundrous Society, a place where learning about magic and mystery is not as simple as she thought it would be. The adventures are epic and the twists and turns are excellent. So many surprises I truly didn't see coming. If you want to read something about magic and get sucked into a beautiful alternate world but aren't so keen on transphobes, this is the book for you! Ironically, this third installment is about a frightening and mysterious illness called the Hollowpox. Too real, I know! But it is a testament to Jessica Townsend and the world she's created that I never once thought about COVID the whole time I was reading this book about a deadly infectious disease. Read it! Ages 8-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043149366-7RHQQHGLRMLP5H8VHAJ9/brother.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Black Brother, Black Brother This book is not for everyone, I will say that honestly right off the bat. I think it's brilliant and beautiful. But the text is very lyrical and it reads like a verse novel in many ways, so diehard fans of realism may be disappointed in the voice of the protagonist. But y'all. It's so good. Donte is a Black multiracial boy whose brother is very white presenting. After facing racist bullying at their private school, he takes up fencing as a way to beat his bully. This book is fascinating. Jewell Parker Rhodes's writing style is so stunning and stark that her words just gut me. In the best way. But also, fencing is so interesting! I love books that open a new world up and this one definitely does that. It's enthralling and beautiful. Ages 8+ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043493552-UZ97F1S09X9CFQ2K2VLQ/scattered.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - When Stars are Scattered This book will take your breath away. Oh my goodness. If you read one book this year, let it be this. This graphic novel is the retelling of the true life story of Omar Mohamed. It follows his time in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya where he lives with his non-verbal brother, Hassan, after fleeing Somalia and losing his parents. This book is special in so many ways. It is so much longer than most graphic novels for this age, and the story spans achingly long years. There are not many stories captivating enough to keep kids engaged this long, but this one does not lose anyone, ever. It is painfully heartbreaking and heartwarming, but it is rooted firmly in Omar Mohamed's real voice and never veers close to a World Vision commercial. The way it captures the many, many day-to-day realities of refugee camp life is staggering. I have not come across any other graphic novel that does such a brilliantly age-appropriate job opening its readers eyes to some really shocking and terrible realities. It is an incredibly captivating read. Ages 8+ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043487856-8J7AXAYW5KWE077A0O0Q/pets.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter I usually try not to duplicate authors but, oh man. I included an Aaron Reynolds picture book up there but I had to put this one on the list too. It's just hysterical. Rex wants a pet dog more than anything else in the world but what do his parents get him for his birthday? A chicken! Is it entirely his fault that said chicken ends up tragically but accidentally flattened by a steamroller an hour into his care? Suddenly, Rex finds himself haunted by the ghosts of other dead animals who demand he help them solve their troubles and find peace. The characters in this book are just hilarious and the voice of Rex is so perfect in Aaron Reynolds's killer sense of humour. It's got the perfect balance of goofiness and cleverness to appeal to every reader. It's glorious. Ages 7-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043496633-9HN4V5YWF04D4K9YG11K/yumi.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Stand Up, Yumi Chung A case of accidental identity fraud, an introvert whose true passion is stage comedy, a Korean family restaurant that needs to save itself with a karaoke machine...this book has it all! Stand-up comedy is a pretty uncommon topic for middle-grade, let alone with a female protagonist of colour. It's such a unique story and easily relatable to anyone who feels disconnect between who our parents want us to be and who we know we are inside. What I love is that Jessica Kim writes this conflict without villainizing the parents and anchors the tension in the deep love and loyalty that the protagonist, Yumi, feels to her family. I won't give too much away but I love the resolution of this story. There are so many great moments in this book for everyone, but especially for kids who feel a cultural gap between them and their parents. Ages 7-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043485347-Q9YFOW954WOH5SRX27NV/flow.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Go With the Flow I am so, so happy that my kids are growing up in a time when there are graphic novels about periods and the fight for free menstrual products. What a time to be alive! Four best friends take on their school administration over the absence free of pads and tampons in their school bathrooms. In doing so, they have to navigate the balance between protesting a cause and putting their friendship first. Hilarious and charming moments throughout! This book does so much to destigmatize periods but more importantly, it's a rollicking good time. I hope everyone reads this book because no one in this age group does not need to be more knowledgeable about periods, seriously. Ages 9+ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043488958-DG85732BSCNUWSN7JQ2C/rick.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Rick Follow-up to the very popular and excellent George, this book follows Rick as he explores his own sexual identity with the help of his school's Rainbow Spectrum club. I'll never forget the first time I heard a queer friend of mine describe how she denied her queerness for so long because she felt like she 'never got the invite'. This comes through so much in this book, in which Rick questions whether he has any right to be in the room to begin with, and people around him question whether he is old enough to have any thoughts at all aout sexual identity. I love the way this book deals with the confusion and the journey, in contrast with the first book in which the protagonist knows without doubt exactly who she is. Also touches well on toxic friendship and finding support. Like they always do so well, Alex Gino writes so well for kids this age without ever talking down to them. Ages 7-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043496009-74R28MO6XFTSR3PGSYD0/auntie.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Case of the Missing Auntie At first I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this book but I just adore it! Chickadee and the other Mighty Muskrats go into the city for the Exhibition Fair, but when they learn about Grandpa's missing little sister who was taken during the Sixties Scoop, they turn their attention to tracking her down. I've seen this book described as a modern-day Hardy Boys and it definitely has that vibe! There's so many brilliant elements in this book. It talks about the Sixties Scoop simply and clearly without glossing over the truths, but it is just one element of the plot. It also is a really fascinating exploration of urban versus rural, city life versus reserve life, and I absolutely love the diversity of Indigenous experience it portrays. And the mystery sleuthing is excellent! A terrific novel accessible to both younger and older readers. Ages 7-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637043496342-751K1VUUIG0QIW4BYNVI/witches.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Witches of Brooklyn I think this graphic novel was my favourite one this year. And it's hard to pinpoint exactly why, but I think it's probably because it's just so freaking wholesome! Effie moves in with two aunts she has never met after she loses her mother. And while she struggles to adjust, she soon realizes that things are not what they seem - because magic! Of course. This is a simple story but it is just so magnificent! The aunts are hysterical - very odd couple and also Edna Mode from the Incredibles. Every single secondary character is lovable and charming and perfectly illustrated. The whole story is a warm hug and an instant best friend and there is nothing about it I don't love. It's the perfect cozy relaxing read. Ages 7-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046025944-62HI2JUAEZB1V6QEIVIQ/aggie.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046032794-OZNZODA5B9FDOKQAASO3/class.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046025948-RP2NKYOLBTUNVOHUIKFK/before.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637045973124-ZFOJZYN74M855CQY5256/banksy.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046334790-LYU8SCJASC6NYC2LJUXF/kulu.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Sweetest Kulu My favourite book to give to new parents. It's exactly what you need to read to remind you how much you love your newborn on your third hour of crying or fifth consecutive sleepless night. Ages 0-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046328097-SOKJNTABQ84QRZO92RZH/duckling.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Duckling Gets a Cookie? Mo Willems can do no wrong and my whole family is obsessed with the entire Elephant and Piggie series (yes, even the newborn). But if I had to pick just one, this is my absolute favourite. Just killer humour for kids and adults alike. But be warned, reading this book aloud is a high energy sport. Perfect for adults with lapsed and unfulfilled thespian dreams. Ages 1-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046316404-J2YYWCSIWPLDGFLI2S7N/bao.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao Adorable protagonist, great bao recipe, funny and encouraging storyline - as long as you're okay with the fact that you will have to go make/get baos after reading this story, this is an A+ picture book. Ages 4-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046335065-TGU95ZZ53WQYJGFPAJRQ/chicken.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Interrupting Chicken I. Love. This. Book. It is hilarious. This one is for everyone who's watched a horror movie and just yelled, "Don't go into the goddamn basement, Debbie!" Some kids will need the basic fairy tales explained but once they get the stories, NO CHILD does not find this book hysterical. Also, all books starring chickens, I'm starting to realize, are good books. Ages 2-8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046329470-GWPQ5KP2WI83CBPCG4GN/hair.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Hair Love I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but absolutely gorgeous and adorable illustrations. And picture books are literally mostly picture so that matters! I love, love, love a good father-daughter story, especially one where dad enters daughter's world on her terms. Ages 2-8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046337588-OUIQPPL69SGAFRXL1LF3/nuts.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Nuts to You A fantastic first big kid chapter book or bedtime read-aloud. Lovable squirrel protagonists, just the right amount of tension and danger music, and lots of funny moments. A great chapter book to read aloud to siblings of different ages as the humour will appeal to older kids too. Ages 4-9 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046947964-CD26AUH0E5ZSMPQVRYS2/matilda.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - The Matilda Effect If you have a child in the 7-10 age range who is starting to grow out of bedtime read alouds and you miss the cuddles, go pick up one of these next three books. Thrilling adventures, captivating heroines, and in this case, hilarious British humour. Ages 5-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046483672-2FQ1Y0HPKYJIDU5LH31O/tuesdays.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Tuesdays at the Castle To me, this is the chapter book version of The Balloon Tree picture book by Phoebe Gilman. It's so wonderfully magical and wholesome with perfectly dastardly bad guys and the pluckiest sweet little princess. For slightly older kids (I'm cheating again), I absolutely adore the Dealing with Dragons series by Patricia C. Wrede. It was originally published in 1990, which makes its subversive, hilarious, very feminist content all the more awesome. Ages 6-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046487584-FLK0BRW3ST27N9USCIWF/sweep.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Sweep Danger music!! This book is at times so grim and tense, and at other times so brilliantly funny and sweet. The action and plot are so excellently delivered and extremely compelling. Okay, but also on second thought maybe not such a good bedtime read because a) scary, and b) guaranteed stealing of book and flashlight late night reading. Ages 7-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046478206-OH7X54C37EJE2ZN47KOX/new.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - New Kid Superb graphic novel that adults will want to read too because it does such a brilliant job breaking down tricky topics like classism, wealth inequity, and anti-Black racism, but lets its protagonist be a whole kid who is just as worried about acne and girls as the fact that his teacher keeps thinking he's the other Black kid in the class. Deeply relateable and relevant, but also deeply enjoyable to read. Ages 7-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046489979-2D8EDO34TY25VNIOXILF/word.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Word Nerd This is one of my favourite realistic fiction reads for intermediate. It's a really sweet and funny coming-of-age type story with a beautifully weird homeschooled kid, a fake Big Brother just out of prison, and a ton of Scrabble tournaments. A perfect gift, too, for any kid from Vancouver because the author is local and the book is full of fantastic local references and geography. Ages 7-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046477301-QF6IBEIXZW47KG6Q8TD9/click.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 - Click Here to Start If I had a dollar for every time I hear, "I want her to read more instead of playing video games"...I'd save up all my dollars and buy more copies of this book!! It's an excellent mystery-thriller with, yes, so much danger music, that features both video game escape rooms and World War II Japanese-American history. It's a fascinating and very compelling read that does feature some niche gaming knowledge and culture that will appeal to young gamers. Ages 7-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046804089-PKJAGFHYPTEZJQF237L2/aristotle.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046804508-UDBEFW5WHOMA6J7MS2RZ/burn.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046804906-IFA0FT9ETDVWP2MAYPN0/dumplin.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046806716-WN66RAXHL0DRYBJ48MQV/fault.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046806178-C7T0I3UVZI4J84L1LD44/optimists.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046806940-XCIAP1CZRPRJIFE5U1O4/slay.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046807436-L4VKR6V5PG6BMQNWDWSC/spinning.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1637046807827-BFB03CEHSHYLXQDVIK5Q/teenager.jpg Ms. Su's Bookshelf - Best Books of 2020 https://www.elainesu.com/work daily 0.75 2025-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/88def880-d1a5-4a60-91da-a8edd3e96468/sincerely-media-vcF5y2Edm6A-unsplash.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/1d9d10ff-b462-443d-a05d-c377f9fa6f7c/ES-2754.jpg Work - Who I am I am a first-generation Chinese Canadian and a settler on Coast Salish land. Professionally, when I am not editing, I work as a teacher-librarian and kindergarten teacher. I am a trained diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant and I specialize in kids literature, education, and libraries. I am certified through Bakau’s Facilitation Certificate Program, a three-month condensed program teaching skills and strategies for powerful, impactful, inclusive facilitation, taught by Bakau Consulting, an equity, inclusion and anti-racism consulting company based in Canada. I also draw from my experience and ongoing work on the board of hua foundation, a youth empowerment non-profit connecting cultural heritage and social change, and as the board chair of the New Westminster Public Library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/b9be503e-fb1d-4455-ac82-80a494ca2eec/Untitled.png Work - Equity Review I work with authors and publishers to conduct comprehensive equity and anti-bias reviews of works in progress. Think of an equity review as a kind of anti-oppression sensitivity read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/e49a89fa-e185-4b7a-b1a1-0905694a0a86/Untitled.png Work - Diversity Audit I work with libraries, publishers, and educators to conduct robust diversity audits of their collections. I help guide clients through the steps of diversifying and decolonizing their collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/ab8159ca-72f9-4a8d-863d-9c23cc51bcd9/Untitled.png Work - Workshops I conduct workshops on diversity and equity, especially as these topics relate to kids’ books and education. I also give workshops on how to perform diversity audits on collections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/ca0754e7-13b9-4d96-95af-bdf7e3084fcc/jess-bailey-cvUIv9j5wDg-unsplash.jpg Work - “Elaine is so knowledgeable and has such a deep understanding regarding bias, equity, and inclusivity that I often found myself learning more than I have ever learned from courses and books just by reading her reviews. “ — Sandra, publisher https://www.elainesu.com/contact daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://www.elainesu.com/about daily 0.75 2025-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618061bb60d28f5b55e61272/0c640682-153f-463a-b34c-777872f25d31/ELAINE-62-Edit.jpg About - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.elainesu.com/testimonials daily 0.75 2025-02-17 https://www.elainesu.com/workshops daily 0.75 2022-04-22 https://www.elainesu.com/media daily 0.75 2025-02-17 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